Biological approach

• Assumptions

  > All human behaviour is at first biological, the mind lives in the brain

  > Physical factors such as our hormones, neuroanatomy, nervous system and the inheritance of genes can explain our behaviour

  > Argues that an individuals genotype and phenotype will determine how we behave
• Biological approach AO3

  :( Biological determinism

  > Individual is controlled by internal factors such as genes and neurochemicals that inevitably cause behaviour

  > Neglects the role of free will, leaving individuals feeling like they have no control over their own behaviour

  > Limiting the biological explanation of human behaviour
• Biological approach AO3

  :( Biological reductionism

  > Reduces complex human behaviour down to simle basic units eg. genes and neurochemicals

  > Neglecting a holistic approach which would take into account an individuals culture and social context

  > May lack validity as it doesn't allow us to understand behaviour in context
• Biological approach AO3

  :) Practical applications

  > Principles of the theory - behaviour is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters has been used to create treatments such as SSRIs

  > These have been effective in treating individual’s with disorders such as OCD and Depression by increasing serotonin activity

  > Biological approach is an important part of applied psychology