5.4.4 Evaluation of the Biological Approach

• What scientific methods does the biological approach use?

  Brain scans and experiments
• Why are the results of the biological approach considered reliable?

  They are objective and support strong conclusions
• How has the biological approach advanced treatment for mental disorders?

  By improving treatments for depression and anxiety
• What does the biological approach improve our understanding of?

  Genetic links to behavior
• How does the biological approach integrate different fields of study?

  By connecting biology with psychology for explanations
• What is a weakness of the biological approach related to behavior simplification?

  Reductionism
• What is the significance of understanding the interplay of genes, brain, and behavior?

  It offers complete explanations of behavior
• How does the biological approach's determinism overlook a key concept?

  It overlooks free will
• What does reductionism in the biological approach ignore?

  Social and cultural factors
• What does determinism in the biological approach suggest about behavior?

  It is solely determined by genes and brain structure
• What are the main weaknesses of the biological approach?

  • Reductionism: Simplifies behavior to biology
  • Determinism: Behavior solely determined by genes
  • Limited Scope: Fails to explain human behavior complexity
• What are the advantages of reductionism in the biological approach?

  • Simplifies complex phenomena for easier understanding
  • Aids in diagnosing and treating biological disorders effectively
• What additional factors should be considered when explaining depression?

  Life events and emotional states
• How can a supportive social environment affect someone with a genetic predisposition to depression?

  It may prevent the development of depression
• How might genes predispose someone to anxiety?

  Inherited traits may lead to anxiety development
• What is a limitation of the biological approach regarding human behavior complexity?

  It doesn't fully explain the complexity
• What are the limitations of reductionism in the biological approach?

  • Oversimplifies behaviors, ignoring social and psychological factors
  • May miss crucial insights by neglecting other perspectives
• What does reductionism in the biological approach focus on?

  Biological explanations like genes and brain structures
• How does the biological approach collect unbiased data?

  Through objective measures like brain scans
• How might reductionism oversimplify the explanation of depression?

  By attributing it solely to neurotransmitter imbalance
• What types of brain scans are mentioned in the biological approach?

  fMRI and EEG
• What do controlled experiments help establish in the biological approach?

  Causal relationships between biological factors and behavior
• What concept does determinism in the biological approach overlook?

  Free will
• How might researchers study depression using the biological approach?

  By comparing brain activity in depressed vs. non-depressed individuals
• What are the limitations of the biological approach regarding behavior?

  It simplifies behavior and misses social influences
• What is the basis for conclusions in the biological approach?

  Empirical evidence
• What does the biological approach use to understand behavior?

  Scientific methodology
• Do genes and brain structure fully determine behavior?

  No, life experiences and choices also matter
• What does fMRI reveal in the context of studying depression?

  Key differences in brain function associated with depression
• What is the significance of structured observation and experimentation in the biological approach?

  • Provides strong support for biological explanations
  • Ensures reliability of findings
  • Helps establish causal relationships
• What are the key components of the biological approach in studying behavior?

  • Use of scientific methodology
  • Objective measures (e.g., brain scans)
  • Controlled experiments
  • Conclusions based on empirical evidence
• In what ways do life experiences influence behavior according to the biological approach?

  They play significant roles alongside genetics
• What are the key components of the biological approach to behavior?

  • Genes influence behavior
  • Brain structure affects behavior
  • Life experiences play a role
  • Free will is often overlooked
  • Social and cultural influences may be missed