Biological Approach

• Biological - Assumptions

  • To understand human behaviour, we must first look at biological structures.
  • Brain structure and function can explain our thoughts and behaviours.
  • The mind lives in the brain which contrasts the cognitive approach.
• Genetic basis of behaviour

  Research is done on twins in order to determine the likelihood of certain traits having a genetic basis.

  Done via concordance rates.
• Genotype

  An individuals set of genes.
• Phenotype

  The physical characteristics determined by the environment and genes.
• Charles Darwin (19th Century)

  Theory of natural selection and the idea that genes adapt to the environment over time.
• Biological - Strengths

  • Scientific - falsifiable
  • Treatment of real life disorders
• Biological - Limitations

  • Cause and effect - cannot separate nature and nurture.
  • Only establishes causal relationships.
  • Determinist.