Biological Approach

Biological Approach Assumptions

• Attempts to explain behavior in terms of different biological processes

  • Genes, hormones, neurotransmitters etc

• The brain and mind are identical

• Behavior can be inherited

Neurochemical Basis of Behavior

• Neurochemistry is the action of chemicals in the brain

  • Much of thought and behavior relies on chemical transmission in the brain using neurotransmitters

  • An imbalance of neurochemicals is implied as a cause of mental disorder:

    • OCD - low serotonin

    • Schizophrenia - overproduction of dopamine

The Genetic Basis of Behavior

Psychological conditions are inherited

• Twin Studies are used to investigate the genetic basis of psychological characteristics

  • The extent to which twins share the same characteristics are analyzed (concordance rates)

  • If a characteristic is genetic:

    • We expect all Monozygotic (identical twins) to be concordant

    • Same wouldn’t be true for Dizygotic( 50% shared genes)

  • The environment is assumed to be constant

Genotype

A persons genetic makeup

Phenotype

The characteristics of a person are determined by both genes and the environment :

• Physical

• Behavioral

• Psychological

Evolution

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

Evolution and Behavior

Charles Darwin theorised natural selection:

• Any genetically determined behavior that enhances an individuals survival and reproduction will continue in future generations

Strengths of Biological Approach

Real World Application (Depression Treatment):

• Psychoactive drugs help treat serious mental disorders:

  • Clinical depression - treated using anti-depressant drugs that increase serotonin levels at brain synapses

  • Helps depressed people manage their condition

Counterpoint (Cant Account for All Cases):

• Anti-depressants don’t work for everyone

• Andrea Cipriani et al (2018)

  • Compared 21 drugs and found wide variations of effectiveness

  • Most more effective than placebos in comparative trials

  • However… researchers concluded the effects were modest

• Suggests brain chemistry alone may not account for all cases of depression

Scientific Methods (Reliable Data):

• fMRIs and EEGs

• Possible to measure processes without bias

• Data is objective and reliable

Limitations of Biological Approach

Biological Determinism (Ignores Environment)

• Argues we have no control over behavior

• However… the expression of the genotype is heavily influenced by the environment

• Also crime can’t be excused by genes

• The biological view is too simplistic and ignores the influence of the environment