The Biological Approach

• define genotype

  persons genetic makeup
• define phenotype

  • the expression of their genes which leads to the observable characteristics of a person.
  • The phenotype is influenced by both the genetic inheritance and the interaction of this with the environment.
• what influence do biological structures have?

  • believe that the structure of organs, such as the brain, central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the endocrine system determine our behaviour.
• what influence does neurochemistry have?

  • Biological psychologists also recognise the role of chemicals in determining behaviour. At the synapse, signals are sent between neurones by chemicals called neurotransmitters.
  • Imbalances in the number of neurotransmitters are associated with atypical behaviour, for example, too little serotonin has been associated with depression and too much dopamine has been associated with schizophrenia.
• strengths of biological approach (1)

  • a strength of the biological approach is that it often utilises reliable methods of research. For example, some research into genetics and neurochemistry requires precise scientific methodology, such as fMRIs, PET scans, drug trials, and EEGs. These techniques provide psychologists with an accurate measure of internal processes that were previously not accessible. This makes biological evidence less susceptible to misinterpretation or experimenter bias which is a strength of such research.
• strengths of biological approach (2)

  • real-world applications. Drug therapies have been developed for many mental illnesses based on research into neurotransmitters; antidepressants work to increase serotonin levels in the brain, based on the understanding of how low levels of serotonin contribute to depressive symptoms. Understanding ‘abnormal’ neurochemical activity in the brain has not only been helpful for developing treatments but has also provided patients with an explanation that their illness is not their fault.
• issues and debates and the biological approach (1)

  • Whilst it is widely accepted that the biological approach takes the nature side of the nature-nurture debate, since behaviour is determined by innate features including genes and neurotransmitters, acknowledgement is paid to the role of the environment with the interaction of the two influencing an individual’s phenotype.
• limitations of biological approach (1)

  • In order for complex human behaviour to be analysed and best understood, according to biological psychologists, it must be broken down into its component parts. This means that phenomena are explained using genetic, neurochemical or structural explanations resulting in the biological approach taking a reductionist (biological) perspective.
• limitations of biological approach (2)

  • Another weakness of this approach is that biological explanations of human behaviour may be considered deterministic. For example, one assumption of the biological approach is that some human behaviours are the result of evolution. Such explanations suggest we are predetermined to act in a certain way regardless of experience, free will, or the environment. this overemphasises the role of nature on behaviour. It is also an explanation that is unfalsifiable, and thus incapable of scientific validation.