Biological Approach

• Assumptions

  Suggests that everything psychological is at first biological. Therefore, to fully understand human behaviour, we must look to biological structures and processes within the body. They claim that the mind lives in the brain- all thoughts, feelings and behaviour ultimately have a physical basis. This contrasts the Cognitive approach that see mental processes of the mind as being separate from the physical brain.
• The Neurochemical Basis of Behaviour

  Neurochemistry refers to the action of chemicals in the brain. Much of our thought and behaviour relies on chemical transmission in the brain; this occurs using neurotransmitters. An imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain has been implicated as a possible cause of mental disorders, e.g. low levels of serotonin in OCD, and an overproduction of dopamine in schizophrenia.
• The Genetic Basis of Behaviour

  Psychological characteristics, such as intelligence, are inherited in the same way as height or eye colour. Twin studies are used to examine whether certain psychological characteristics have a genetic basis; is achieved by analysing concordance rates- the extent to which twins share the same characteristics. If it is genetic, we would expect a 100% concordance rate among monozygotic twins. The same wouldn't be true for dizygotic twins who share 50% of their genes compared to 100% in MZ. In both cases the environment is said to be constant.
• Genotype and Phenotype

  Genotype: the actual genetic make-up. Phenotype: the way the genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics. Despite having the same genes, the way that identical twin's genes are expressed (phenotype) is different. This then shows what many biological psychologists accept: that much of human behaviour is dependent upon an interaction between inherited factors (nature) and the environment (nurture).
• Evolution and Behaviour

  Evolution is a fact; and Darwin proposed the theory of Natural Selection to explain this. The main principle is that any genetically determined behaviour that enhances individual's survival (and reproduction) will continue in future generations; it has been naturally selected. Similarly in breeding programmes, those that are bred are animals with desirable characteristics.
• Natural Selection

  In nature, this process is natural and not decided. The selection occurs simply because the traits have given the possessor an advantage. They are then more likely to survive, reproduce and pass these traits on. If an individual survives but doesn't reproduce, these traits then leave the gene pool for successive generations.
• Examples of the Evolution of Behaviour

  Memory: human memory evolved because it provided advantages.

  Attachment: Bowlby argues that attachment to a PAF is adaptive due to it offering a survival advantage.

  Mental Disorder: some mental disorders, such as OCD, may have a genetic basis. Psychologists argue, therefore, that these genes must have some adaptive advantage.
• AO3: Real-World Application

  Increased understanding of neurochemical processes in the brain is associated with the use of psychoactive drugs to treat serious mental health disorders. For example, the biological approach has promoted the treatment of clinical depression using antidepressant drugs that increase the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain; and has been associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Meaning people are better able to manage their condition and live their lives in the community.
• AO3: Counterpoint to Real-World Application

  Although antidepressant drugs are successful for many patients, they don't work for everyone. In a recent study by Cipriani et al, they compared 21 antidepressant drugs and found wide variations in effectiveness. Although most drugs were more effective than placebos in comparative trials. Researchers then concluded that the effects of antidepressants was 'mainly modest'. This challenges the value of this approach, as it suggests that brain chemistry alone may not account for all cases, e.g. depression.
• AO3: Scientific Methods

  Another strength is that it uses scientific methods of investigation. The biological approach makes use of a range of precise and highly objective methods. Including scanning techniques, such as fMRI and EEGs. With advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure physiological and neural processes that aren't open to bias. Meaning the approach is based on objective and reliable data.
• AO3: Biological Determinism

  It is determinist because it sees all behaviour as governed by internal, genetic causes over which we have no control. However, the way an individual's genotype is presented (phenotype) is heavily influenced by the environment. No identical twins look and think in the same way. Also, a purely genetic argument becomes problematic when considering crime- could a violent criminal excuse their actions by claiming that their behaviour was caused by a 'criminal gene'? Suggesting the view is too simplistic and ignores mediating effects of the environment.
• AO3: Natural Selection

  Critics of Darwin's work, such as Popper, claim that it isn't possible to falsify the theory of natural selection (a key criterion of science) as we cannot show that evolution is happening, we can only deduce that it has taken place. However, others claim that the basic principles are supported by fossil records (showing dinosaurs changing to birds).