biological approach ao3

strengths

• strong scientific basis

• effective treatments for mental health conditions

weaknesses

• reductionist

strength - scientific

• strong scientific basis

• relies on objective + measureable data (brain scans, genetic testing)

• increases reliabilty and reduces researcher bias

• credible and valid

weakness - reductionist

• reductionist

• oversimplify human behaviour, explain solely as biological processes (e.g. genetics or brain structure)

• e.g. explaining depression as only due to low serotonin levels ignored influence of environmental, cognitive and social factors

• limit understanding of human behaviour, ignored broader social contexts

strength - application

• development of effective treatments for mental health conditions

• understanding biological underpinnings of disorders means researchers can create drug treatments targeting specific neurotransmitters

• antidepressants increase serotonin levels which improve quality of life for many

• applies to real world problems, approach is important