Biological approach

• assumptions

  • everything psychological is first biological
  • to understand behaviour we must look at; biological structures, genetics, neurochemistry, nervous system
  • thoughts feelings and behaviours have a physical basis in the brain
• genetics and behaviour

  genotype= an individuals genetic makeup that provides genetic code for characteristics

  phenotype= what occurs when an individual interacts with the environment

  • e.g there may be genetic deposition of psychological characteristics such as behaviour however the environment may cause it to be inhibited
• twin studies:

  • study on MZ and DZ twins
  • calculate the concordance rate( the proportion of twin pairs that match on a particular trait)
  • compare concordance rates of MZ and DZ twins to estimate heritability of traits
  • comparisons can be made with those who live together and those raised apart
• evolution and behaviour

  • any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual survival will be passed down to future generations
  • naturally as certain traits give the possessor certain advantages
• strength of biological

  • real world applications- increased understanding of biochemical processes that has led to the development of psychoactive drugs to treat mental illnesses e.g. depression. aid live normal lives in communities than being institutionalised. positive impact
• cons of biological approach

  • offers determinist view on human behaviour- cannot control behaviour governed by internal biological processes, implication to legal system- how can people be held accountable for actions they cannot control, decrease plausibility
  • hard to separate influence of nature and nurture- mz twins in the same environment treated the same , cannot easily separate influence of genes and the environment