The Biological Approach to Psychology
The biological approach emphasizes how physical and biological processes influence human behavior and mental processes. This comprehensive framework examines everything from genetic inheritance to brain chemistry.
Definition: The biological approach argues that all psychological processes have a biological basis, with behavior governed by internal biological causes.
Vocabulary:
- Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism
- Phenotype: The observable characteristics resulting from gene expression
- Natural Selection: The process where organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce
Example: Twin studies compare concordance rates between identical monozygotic and non-identical dizygotic twins to understand genetic influences on behavior.
Highlight: The approach has led to significant advances in mental health treatment through the development of psychoactive drugs for conditions like depression.
Quote: "The mind lives in the brain and therefore all thoughts, feelings and behavior has a physical basis."
The biological approach faces some limitations, particularly in separating nature from nurture influences. While identical twins share 100% of genes, their phenotypes may differ due to environmental factors. This demonstrates the complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental influences in shaping behavior.
The approach has important real-world applications, particularly in mental health treatment and legal contexts. However, its deterministic view raises questions about moral responsibility and free will, especially in legal settings where the concept of a 'criminal gene' could complicate existing laws.
