Essay writing - the biological approach

• The scientific method is important in the biological approach


  Experiments take place in highly controlled environments, which increases its replicability, and therefore validity of the findings. New technology has made research more objective and precise.
• The biological approach has useful application


  It provides clear predictions e.g. the effect of neurotransmitters on behaviour, which allows it to be applied to the real world. Research into neurochemical imbalance in depression has led to the development of effective drug treatments for it.
• The biological approach is reductionist


  It is criticised for its belief that behaviour can be broken down into the actions of genes, hormones and neurochemicals. This is because it ignores other cognitive, emotional and cultural factors that may influence behaviour and mental disorders.
• Evolutionary explanations can be problematic

  There are some established patterns of human behaviour that have purely cultural origins that pass through generations, that have no survival advantages, e.g. in China, boys were favoured over girls, leading to sex-specific abortions. This has started to change now. Cultural evolution can happen more quickly than biological evolution.
• Genetic explanations can be problematic


  There is a suggestion of a genetic basis for criminality, and critics are worried there may become genetic screening for, and therefore discrimination against, this trait. There is also a danger it may be used as a 'convenient' explanation for behaviour. However, there are also positives such as early screening for mental disorders, so early treatment can be provided.