A03

• strength- supportive research

  • nestadt et al reviewed previous twin studiest of OCD- 68% of identifcal twins compared to 31% non identitical twins share OCD
  • supports as MZ twins share 100% DNA- however concordance rate not 100%= diathesis stress model needed(example)
  • however- familiy studies highlight environmental influences - weakens validity as unable to untangle nature and nurture = reduce cause and effect
  • adoption studies needed
• limitation- biologically reductionist

  • reducing complex disorder into simple components eg sert gene responsible for OCD
  • critised as oversimplified and inconclusive
  • however allows for scientific methods of investigation eg FMRI scans, reduce change of bias and increase validity
  • also scientific methods, high control, standardised procedure...
• neural explanations- strength- RWA

  • application to treatment of OCD via SSRIs
  • increase serotonin levels in brain...... supporting serotonin explanation of OCD
  • treats OCD and reduces symptoms- improved QOL- economy
  • however, drugs not effective on everyone and other factors may be responsible, idiographic approach