biological approach

• assumptions of the biological approach

  suggests everything psychological is at first biological and we must look at biological processes/structures to understand human behaviour.
• neurochemical basis of behaviour

  refers to action of chemicals in the brain - neurotransmitters.

  imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain has been suggested to cause mental disorder. e.g. low levels of serotonin and OCD or overproduction of dopamine and SZ
• genetic basis of behaviour

  psychological characteristics are inherited by genes like physical characteristics.

  twin studies are used to analyse genetic basis by using concordance rates.

  MZ twins expected 100% concordance, DZ twins expected 50% concordance

  environment is assumed to be constant.
• evolution

  Darwin's theory of natural selection

  genetically determine behaviour that enhances survival and reproduction will continue in future generations.
• strength - real world application

  increased understanding of neurochemical processes has been associated with use of drugs to treat mental disorders.

  e.g. depression uses antidepressants which increase levels of serotonin at synapses which have been associated with reduction of depressive symptoms.

  helps people with depression manage their condition
• counterpoint - real world application

  antidepressant drugs don't work for everyone.

  Cipriani et al

  -> compared 21 antidepressant drugs and found variations in their effectiveness.

  -> most more effective than placebos

  -> effects were moderate.

  challenges bio approach as neurochemistry may not account for all cases.
• strength - scientific methods

  investigating genetic and biological basis of behaviour uses highly objective methods.

  e.g. fMRIs + EEGs

  advances in technology allow researchers to measure physiological neural processes without any bias.

  means bio approach uses reliable data
• limitation - biological determinism.

  bio approach sees human behaviour as governed by genetic causes we have no control over.

  but, phenotype is heavily influenced by environment.

  purely genetic argument is problematic for explaining crime.

  suggests biological view is too simplistic and ignores the environment.