biological approach

• 🔷 key assumptions of biological approach

  • everything psychological has a biological cause
  • human behaviour is explained via genes, brain structure, neurochemistry and evolution
  • study biological structures, biochemical processes and genetics
  • emphasises scientific methods
• 🧬 genetic basis

  sections of DNA that carry instructions for physical and psychological characteristics

  • twin studies compare concordance rates (Nestadt et al - 68% MZ and 31% DZ for OCD)
  • recognises interaction between nature and nurture
• define genotype

  individual's genetic makeup
• define phenotype

  expression of genotype influenced by the environment
• 🧠 biological structures

  • central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
  • localisation of function
  • damage in brain regions can result in psychological issues
• 💧 neurochemistry

  neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that influence behaviour

  • low serotonin = depression
  • high dopamine = schizophrenia

  
  

  hormones influence behaviour

  • high testosterone = aggression
• 🦧 evolution & behaviour

  based on darwin's theory of natural selection

  • traits evolved because they were adaptive
  • e.g. Bowlby's theory of attachment
• 🔬 methods used by the biological approach

  • brain imaging
  • twin and adoption studies
  • animal studies
  • drug trials
• ✅ strength of biological approach - scientific

  objective methods

  • relies on techniques such as brain scans, drug trials and genetic analysis
  • measurable and replicable methods
  • greater scientific credibility
• ❌ limitation of biological approach - determinism

  biologically deterministic

  • assumes behaviour is caused by biological factor
  • underplays role of environmental and cognitive influence
  • reductionist view
• ✅ strength of biological approach - real world

  practical application

  • neurotransmitters led to effective treatments of SSRIs
  • contributed to medical psychology
  • practical value