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The Biological Approach in Psychology

Core Tenets

The Biological Approach

The biological approach in psychology focuses on the understanding of human behavior and mental processes through the study of biological factors. This approach assumes that everything psychological is at first biological, and behavior is influenced by genetics, brain structures, neurochemicals, hormones, and the nervous system. The biological perspective emphasizes the role of nature over nurture in shaping behavior.

Assumptions of the Approach

The core principles underpinning how the biological approach interprets human behavior and mental processes.

1

Biological Basis of Behavior

It assumes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have a physiological basis. For example, mental illnesses like depression or schizophrenia are linked to neurochemical imbalances or brain abnormalities.
2

Genetic Influence

Behavior and psychological traits can be inherited. Genes influence characteristics such as intelligence, personality, and susceptibility to disorders.
3

Neuroanatomy

The structure and function of the brain areas are fundamental in controlling behavior. Different brain regions have specialized tasks.
4

Neurochemistry

Neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) affect mood and behavior. For example, serotonin affects emotional states.
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Evolutionary Explanation

Behaviors evolve by natural selection. Traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on.

Relationships & Bonding

The biological approach explains relationships by referring to neurochemicals and genetics.

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Oxytocin

Known as the 'love hormone' or 'bonding hormone,' playing a crucial role in forming attachments and trust between individuals. Oxytocin is released during close physical contact.
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Evolutionary Fitness

Explains mate choices in terms of survival and reproductive success. People are attracted to partners exhibiting traits signaling health and fertility.
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Male Preference

For example, men might prefer women with signs of youth and fertility.
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Female Preference

For example, women may favor men showing resource availability and protection.

Biological Therapy: Drug Mechanism

Neurochemical Imbalance ➡️ Medication ➡️ Symptom Reduction
The main therapy associated with the biological approach is drug therapy, used to treat mental disorders by adjusting neurochemical imbalances. Examples include Antidepressants (SSRIs), Antipsychotics, and Anxiolytics.

Main Components of Drug Therapy

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Diagnosis and Prescription

The therapy involves prescribing appropriate medication based on diagnosis.
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Chemical Alteration

Medications alter brain chemistry to reduce symptoms.
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Ongoing Monitoring

Treatment usually requires ongoing monitoring by medical professionals for dosage and side effects.
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Combination

Drug therapy may be combined with other therapeutic methods for maximum benefit.

Evaluation of Drug Therapy

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Effectiveness & SpeedDrug therapy is often effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. For example, SSRIs have shown significant improvement in depression. Medications can act quicker than some psychological therapies.
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Ethical Concerns & ReductionismSide effects can be severe (weight gain, drowsiness, dependency). Some critics argue it may mask symptoms rather than resolving deeper problems. The approach can be criticized for oversimplifying complex mental health issues to biological causes.

Evaluation of the Approach

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StrengthsUses scientific methods such as brain scans and neurochemical assays, enhancing objectivity. Provides effective treatments that improve lives. Explains a wide range of behaviors and disorders.
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WeaknessesLargely deterministic, neglecting free will and environmental influences. Reductionist for focusing mainly on biology without considering psychological or social factors. Ethical issues in treatments (e.g., medication side effects).

Compared to Other Approaches

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Key Differences: It contrasts with the behaviourist approach’s focus on learned behavior. Unlike the psychodynamic approach, it doesn’t explore unconscious motivations. Differs from cognitive psychology by focusing less on mental processes. Unlike the positive approach, it often concentrates on disorders rather than mental well-being.

Classic Study: Gottesman (1991)

Methodology: A large-scale family twin study investigating concordance rates of schizophrenia in identical (monozygotic) and non-identical (dizygotic) twins.

Type Relationship Procedure Findings (%) Conclusion Ethical Social Implication
MZ Identical Compared prevalence 48% Strong genetic component to schizophrenia Informed consent Reduced stigma (medical condition)
DZ Non-Identical Compared prevalence 17% Genetics alone do not determine the disorder Confidentiality Genetic discrimination risk

Findings summary: The concordance rate (both twins having schizophrenia) was about 48% for MZ twins and 17% for DZ twins.

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The Biological Approach
Term
Main Assumption

What is the main assumption of the biological approach?

Answer
Definition

All psychological phenomena have a physiological basis.

Term
Biological Influences

Which biological factors influence behavior according to this approach?

Answer
Definition

Genetics, brain structures, neurochemicals, hormones, and the nervous system.

Term
Nature or Nurture?

What does the biological approach emphasize, nature or nurture?

Answer
Definition

Nature.

Term
Explaining Relationships

How does the biological approach explain relationships?

Answer
Definition

Through neurochemicals like oxytocin and evolutionary genetics influencing mate choice.

Term
Role of Oxytocin

What is oxytocin's role in relationships?

Answer
Definition

It helps form attachments and trust by being released during close physical contact.

Term
Drug Therapy

What is drug therapy in the context of the biological approach?

Answer
Definition

Treatment using medication to adjust neurochemical imbalances in mental disorders.

Term
Drug for Depression

Name one type of drug used to treat depression.

Answer
Example

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

Term
Strength

What is a key strength of the biological approach?

Answer
Explanation

It uses scientific methods and provides effective treatments.

Term
Criticism

Give one criticism of the biological approach.

Answer
Critique

It is reductionist, focusing mainly on biology and ignoring psychological and social factors.

Term
Gottesman (1991)

What did Gottesman (1991) find about schizophrenia?

Answer
Finding

Higher concordance rates in identical twins indicate a strong genetic component.

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🧬 The Biological Approach Quiz

1. What does the biological approach mainly focus on?

The biological approach studies genetics, brain structures, neurochemicals, etc., as the basis of behavior.

2. Which hormone is known as the “love hormone”?

Oxytocin facilitates bonding and trust in relationships.

3. True or False: Drug therapy in the biological approach mainly manipulates environmental factors influencing behavior.

Drug therapy adjusts brain chemistry, not external environmental factors.

4. According to Gottesman (1991), which type of twins showed a higher concordance rate for schizophrenia?

Monozygotic twins share 100% of genes and had higher concordance rates, indicating genetic influence.

5. What is a major criticism of the biological approach?

The approach often neglects psychological and social factors by focusing mainly on biology.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS & A Level
  • Psychological Approaches
  • WJEC