Biological

• Biological approach explains behaviour is the result of physical processes within the body, primarily neurological brain activity, but also hormonal, inherited
• Genes


  Different genes coding for different behaviours, supported through twin studies e.g. schizophrenia
• Genotypes


  Genetic information inherited from parents, coding for distinct, observable physical and behavioural characteristics
• Phenotypes


  Observable behaviours resulting from the genotype, influenced by the environment
• Biological Structures


  Neural areas of the brain linked with functions e.g. Broca's area for speech production
• Neurochemistry


  Neurotransmitters such as serotonin influence the functioning, imbalances result in change of behaviours e.g. OCD
• Evolution


  Selection of genotypes that code for phenotypes that provide survival or reproductive advantage, become more prevelant in populations
• (+) A03: Practical Application

  Development of drug therapies e.g. SSRIs for imbalances in serotonin are developed from the approach, meaning less pressure on NHS
• (+/-) A03: Biological Reductionism


  Reduces behaviours down to simple biological functions, based on the scientific principle of parsimony, leading to the development of drug therapy; but does not look at behaviours and influences as a whole, such as context
• (-) A03: Biological Determinism


  States that behaviour is outside of conscious control due to being down to genes and neuroscience, can have negative impacts on real life application like the justice system
• (-) A03: Diathesis-Stress


  Complex interaction between environmental and biological structure, showing in plasticity by Maguire's taxi driver study completing memory tests, and having higher hippocampal area, showing context of situation