The Biological Approach Evaluation
Scientific Methods of Investigation
In order to investigate the genetic and biological basis of behaviour, the biological approach makes use of a range of precise and highly scienti c methods. These include scanning techniques, such as fMRIs and EEGs, family and twin studies, and drug trials. With advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure biological and neural processes in ways that are not open to bias. This means that the biological approach is based on reliable data.
Real Life Application
Increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental illnesses, such as depression. Although these drugs are not effective for all patients, they have revolutionised treatment for many. This is a strength of the biological approach because it means that sufferers are able to manage their condition and live a relatively normal life, rather than remain in hospital.
Casual Conclusions
The biological approach offers explanations for mental illness in terms of the action of neurotransmitters in the brain. The evidence for this relationship comes from studies that show a particular drug reduces symptoms of a mental disorder and thus it is assumed that the neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder. This is a bit like assuming that the cause of a headache is lack of paracetamol simply because taking paracetamol is effective in relieving symptoms of a headache. Discovering an association between two factors does not mean that one is a cause. This is a limitation because the biological approach is claiming to have discovered causes where only an association exists.
Determinist View of Behaviour
The biological approach is determinist in the sense that it sees human behaviour as governed by internal, biological causes over which we have no control. This has implications for the legal system and wider society. One of the rules of law is that offenders are seen as legally and morally responsible for their actions. The discovery of a ‘criminal gene’, if there was such a thing, may complicate this principle.
Cannot Separate Nature and Nurture
Identical twins, non-identical twins and members of the same family all have genetic similarities. Therefore, the biological approach argues, any similarities in the way that they look or behave must be genetic. However, there is an important confounding variable. They are also exposed to similar environmental conditions. This means that findings could just as easily be interpreted as supporting nurture rather than nature. This approach also has difficulty accounting for the fact that, in research studies, DZ twins often show higher concordance rates than pairs of ordinary siblings (as in the ‘Apply it’ example above right). This is likely to be explained by the influence of nurture as DZs and ordinary siblings both have about 50% (on average) genes in common.
Scientific Methods of Investigation
In order to investigate the genetic and biological basis of behaviour, the biological approach makes use of a range of precise and highly scienti c methods. These include scanning techniques, such as fMRIs and EEGs, family and twin studies, and drug trials. With advances in technology, it is possible to accurately measure biological and neural processes in ways that are not open to bias. This means that the biological approach is based on reliable data.
Real Life Application
Increased understanding of biochemical processes in the brain has led to the development of psychoactive drugs that treat serious mental illnesses, such as depression. Although these drugs are not effective for all patients, they have revolutionised treatment for many. This is a strength of the biological approach because it means that sufferers are able to manage their condition and live a relatively normal life, rather than remain in hospital.
Casual Conclusions
The biological approach offers explanations for mental illness in terms of the action of neurotransmitters in the brain. The evidence for this relationship comes from studies that show a particular drug reduces symptoms of a mental disorder and thus it is assumed that the neurochemical in the drug causes the disorder. This is a bit like assuming that the cause of a headache is lack of paracetamol simply because taking paracetamol is effective in relieving symptoms of a headache. Discovering an association between two factors does not mean that one is a cause. This is a limitation because the biological approach is claiming to have discovered causes where only an association exists.
Determinist View of Behaviour
The biological approach is determinist in the sense that it sees human behaviour as governed by internal, biological causes over which we have no control. This has implications for the legal system and wider society. One of the rules of law is that offenders are seen as legally and morally responsible for their actions. The discovery of a ‘criminal gene’, if there was such a thing, may complicate this principle.
Cannot Separate Nature and Nurture
Identical twins, non-identical twins and members of the same family all have genetic similarities. Therefore, the biological approach argues, any similarities in the way that they look or behave must be genetic. However, there is an important confounding variable. They are also exposed to similar environmental conditions. This means that findings could just as easily be interpreted as supporting nurture rather than nature. This approach also has difficulty accounting for the fact that, in research studies, DZ twins often show higher concordance rates than pairs of ordinary siblings (as in the ‘Apply it’ example above right). This is likely to be explained by the influence of nurture as DZs and ordinary siblings both have about 50% (on average) genes in common.
