The Biological Approach

• (AO1) Give the basic assumption

  Behaviour can be explained using physiological processes which includes the influence of:

  • Genetics
  • Biological Structures
  • Neurochemistry
• (AO1) Define genetics

  Biological approach suggests genetics play key role in development of mental disorders, with conditions like: OCD and SZ being polygenetic.

  
  

  Polygenetic - means multiple gene variations contribute to vulnerability of inheriting these mental disorders, rather than single gene.

  
  

  E.g. in OCD, variations in gene 9, COMT and SERT have been linked to the disorder.

  
  

  E.g. SZ also polygenetic, with variations PPP3CC and C5 genes, which increase susceptibility of psychosis.
• (AO1) Define biological structures

  Approach also highlights how biological structures influence behaviour.

  
  

  Eg 1 Areas such as Broca/Wernicke linked to language production/comprehension.

  
  

  Eg 2 Fusiform gyrus 'area of expertise', responsible for face recognition. Damage cause prosopagnosia - face blindness.

  
  

  Eg 3 Frontal lobe (prefrontal cortex) linked to personality. Phineas Gage. Railroad construction accident, 1800s, iron piece through skull. Had loss of inhibition and more anger.

  
  

  Eg 4 SCN regulates bio rhythms by controlling sleep wake cycle & responding to light cues.
• (AO1) Define neurochemistry

  1 Neurochemistry plays a significant influence on behaviour through neurotransmitters and hormones

  
  

  2 Serotonin = promotes feeling of calm and happiness

  
  

  3 Dopamine = linked to the brain's reward system, with both high and low levels associated with SZ

  
  

  4 Melatonin = responsible for important biological rhythms - helps induce sleep through the sleep wake cycle

  
  

  Research too supports this:

  • Anorexia nervosa - found increased recovery with oxytocin
  • Dabbs et al - found convicted domestic violence offenders had higher levels of testosterone
• (AO1) Link evolution in

  Evolution explains behaviour as the result of genetics passed down from ancestors.

  
  

  In which, those who survived in the environment of evolutionary adaptation (EEA) passed on their genes.

  
  

  E.g. 1 Phobias support the theory of preparedness, as humans quickly develop fears of fires, heights, dangerous animals, deep water which may have protected ancestors from harm.

  
  

  E.g. 2 Anorexia may have been adaptive, as individuals with the condition tend to feed others, conserve food and excessively exercise, which aided hunting and supported family survival.
• (AO1) Link genotype & phenotype

  A person's genotype = genetic makeup, fixed from birth.

  
  

  A person's phenotype = expression of these genes, leading to observable characteristics.

  
  

  The phenotype is influenced by both genetic inheritance & environmental interactions.

  
  

  E.g. twins may have same genotype, but develop different phenotypes due to factors like eating sugar, thumb sucking, or brushing teeth, which could differentiate their dental health.
• (AO3) Strength

  Point: Approach provides evidence for SZ being polygenetic

   

  Evidence: Heston's research found individuals with biological mother with SZ more likely to develop disorder, even when raised in healthy environment - separate from mother

   

  Evaluate: Genetics play significant role in SZ

  BUT: Not everyone with genetic predisposition develops SZ, some highly successful - stable/accomplished lives. Suggests while genes increase vulnerability, don't determine fate - highlighting role of other factors. Shifts focus from blame/responsibility to early intervention/support
• (AO3) Strength - Scientific Methods

  Point: Approach follows the features of science, raising the status of psychology as a scientific discipline.

  
  

  Evidence: It adheres specifically to the PROF: It includes theory construction, hypothesis testing, empiricism and falsifiability to ensure claims can be tested and refined. Also methods such as brain scans provide objective, replicable data, further supporting the hypothesis.

  
  

  Evaluate: Strengthens psychology's credibility as a science, since findings are based on empirical evidence, increasing confidence in biological approach.
• (AO3) Nature vs Nurture & Interactionism

  Point: Nature - nurture debate highlights what while biological influence behaviour, the environment also plays a role.

  
  

  Evidence: Interactionism explains SZ as a result of both genetic and environmental triggers, such as stress. This is reflected in treatment, where a combination of medication (bio) and therapy (env) is often most effective.

  
  

  Evaluate: Suggests taking a more holistic approach, acknowledge that neither nature nor nurture alone fully explains behaviour, leading to better treatment outcomes.