assumes our biology, especially neurobiology, affects our behaviour
assumption 2
many human behaviours have a physiological cause which may be genetically or environmentally altered
assumption 3
psychologists should study the brain, nervous system and other biological systems e.g. hormones, chemicals acting on the brain to explain behaviour
strengths of biological area
reductionist - single factor reason for behaviour, allows for cause and effect to be established
strength 2 for biological area
scientific - quantitative data, control, cause and effect (IV/DV), laboratory methods, valid
strength 3 for biological area
useful applications - understanding of brain structures can lead to useful medical interventions e.g. brain plasticity Maguire - rehabilitation for stroke victims or brain injuries
weaknesses of biological area
reductionist - ignores other factors that may cause/influence the behaviour
weakness 2 of biological area
deterministic - ignores free-will, choice of behaviour - relies on it being determined by biological factors
