evaluation

• limitations- deterministic

  POINT: The biological approach is deterministic, claiming that all thought and behaviour is caused by factors outside of our control.


  EVIDENCE: For example, according to this approach behaviour is caused by our genes and the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.

  EVALUATION: This is a weakness because it ignores the idea of free will and that we as humans have control over our behaviour - we are not simply pre-programmed by genes.
• limitation- reductionist

  POINT: The biological approach is also reductionist, as it attempts to reduce all aspects of human behaviour down to just one level of explanation.

  EVIDENCE: For example, all human behaviour is reduced down to just physical processes such as activity of neurotransmitters

  EVALUATION: This is a weakness because it underestimates the role of our environment in behaviour. However, reductionism is also a strength because by isolating just one factor it allows researchers to investigate that factor scientifically.
• strength-evidence

  POINT: There is evidence to support the biological approach.

  EVIDENCE: For example Gottesman (1991) reviewed 40 twin studies (meta-analysis) and found the following concordance rates for schizophrenia: 48% concordance for MZ twins and 17% concordance for DZ twins.

  EVALUATION: This is a strength because Gottesman research highlights the role of genes on the control of human behaviour and therefore supports the role of biology in human behaviour.
• strength-practical applications

  POINT: The biological approach has had many useful practical applications.

  EVIDENCE: For example, the biological approach has allowed for the development of many biological treatments (e.g. drug treatments) of disorders such as depression, anxiety etc.

  EVALUATION: This is a strength because it shows that the approach has been put to good use and has been applied to help people and improve people's lives.