Outline and Evaluate the Biological Approach in Psychology
The biological approach in psychology is a fundamental perspective that assumes all psychological phenomena have biological origins. This approach investigates how biological structures and processes within the body impact our behavior, emphasizing the role of genetic and environmental factors in shaping human conduct.
Genetic Influences and Mental Illness
The biological approach posits that mental illnesses can be transmitted through genetic material. This is studied by examining concordance rates among biological relatives. For instance, monozygotic twins have a 48% likelihood of developing Schizophrenia if one twin has already been diagnosed (Janick 2001). This highlights the genetic and environmental influences on behavior in psychology.
Example: McGuffin et al. (1996) studied twins where one already suffered from depression. They found a 46% concordance rate for depression in monozygotic (MZ) twins and a 20% rate in dizygotic (DZ) twins, suggesting a genetic component to depression.
Evolutionary Psychology and Behavior
Evolutionary psychology, a subset of the biological approach, considers genetic influences on common behaviors. It explains that genetically determined behavior results from sexual selection, enhancing survival chances.
Example: Attachment behavior is considered an evolutionarily advantageous trait that increases offspring survival.
Brain, Nervous System, and Neurotransmitters
The biological approach emphasizes studying the brain, nervous system, and other biological systems such as hormones and neurotransmitters.
Highlight: Dopamine is thought to play a role in Schizophrenia (Comer 2003), while serotonin levels can impact depressive disorders.
Strengths of the Biological Approach
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Scientific Validity: The approach utilizes scientific techniques, such as brain scanning (fMRI), to produce objective and reliable data, increasing internal validity.
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Treatment Development: It has enabled the development of effective drug treatments for mental illnesses, such as SSRIs for depression.
Criticisms and Limitations
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Reductionism: The approach may oversimplify complex psychological phenomena by reducing them to purely biological factors.
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Determinism: It assumes that human behavior is primarily controlled by internal genetic causes, leaving little room for free will or choice.
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Incomplete Explanation: While genetic factors are important, they don't fully explain all aspects of human behavior and mental illness, as evidenced by the less than 100% concordance rates in twin studies.
Vocabulary: Diathesis-stress model: A theory suggesting that individuals may be genetically predisposed to certain behaviors or illnesses, but environmental triggers are necessary for their development.
In conclusion, while the biological approach in psychology provides valuable insights into the physiological bases of behavior and mental processes, it should be considered alongside other psychological perspectives for a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior.
