Evaluation of the Biological Approach to Psychology

This set of vocabulary flashcards outlines the strengths and limitations of the biological approach in psychology, focusing on its scientific nature and the concept of biological determinism.

Scientific strength

A characteristic of the biological approach based on empirical objective data, well-controlled experiments, and standardized procedures.

Cause and effect relationships

Connections that researchers can easily test within the biological approach due to the use of controlled and standardized experiments.

Replicated

The ability for researchers to easily repeat experiments in the biological approach because they use standardized procedures.

Genetically inherited conditions

Conditions for which people can be helped through the biological approach's application of understanding the effects of genetics on behavior.

Reductionist

A limitation of the biological approach referring to how it ignores the social and cultural causes of behavior.

Biologically deterministic

A limitation implying that people cannot change or improve, which can lead to discrimination or the excusing of unethical behavior.

Accountability

The responsibility for one's actions; something that may be avoided if biological determinism is used to excuse unethical things.