AO3: Biological Approach

• Strength: Real-world application

  What? Has real-world application

  Who? Treatment of clinical depression; antidepressants increase serotonin at synapses, reducing symptoms

  Why? People with depression can better manage condition
• Counterpoint: Real-world application

  What? Antidepressants don't work for everyone

  Who? Cipriani et al. - variations in effectiveness; effects 'mainly modest'

  Why? Challenges value
• Strength: Scientific methods

  What? Scientific methods of investigation

  Who? Highly objective methods (fMRI or PET scans) - unbiased

  Why? Based on objective and reliable data
• Limitation: Biological determinism

  What? Biologically determinist

  Who? Human behaviour determined by biological processes - ignores any free will

  Why? View too simplistic and ignores environment