Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

Biological Approach in Psychology: Examples, Studies, and Key Points

Open

9

1

user profile picture

yam

09/10/2022

Psychology

SUMMARY: Biological approach

Biological Approach in Psychology: Examples, Studies, and Key Points

The biological approach in psychology explores how biological structures and processes influence human behavior and mental processes. This perspective emphasizes the role of genetics, neurochemistry, and the nervous system in shaping psychological phenomena. Biological approach psychology investigates the genetic basis of behavior, evolutionary influences, and the interplay between nature and nurture in human development.

  • Key assumptions include the biological basis of psychological phenomena and the physical foundation of mental processes in the brain
  • Behavior genetics and twin studies are used to examine the heritability of traits
  • The approach considers both genotype (genetic makeup) and phenotype (expressed characteristics)
  • Evolutionary theory is applied to understand adaptive behaviors
  • Scientific methods like brain imaging and drug trials provide empirical evidence
  • The approach has real-world applications in psychopharmacology and mental health treatment
  • Limitations include difficulties separating nature from nurture and potential deterministic interpretations
...

09/10/2022

189

SUMMARY
~The Biological approach.
Assumptions
That everything psychological is at first biological, so to fully
understand human behaviour,

View

Evaluation of the Biological Approach

The biological approach in psychology offers several strengths and limitations that are important to consider when evaluating its contributions to our understanding of human behavior.

One of the primary strengths of the biological approach psychology is its use of scientific methods for investigation. These include:

Example: Brain imaging techniques like fMRI, physiological measures such as ECG, family and twin studies, and drug trials.

These methods provide reliable data and contribute to the approach's scientific credibility. The biological approach also has significant real-life applications, particularly in the development of psychoactive drugs for treating mental illnesses.

Highlight: Psychoactive medications have been instrumental in treating serious mental disorders, improving the quality of life for many individuals.

However, the approach faces several limitations. One challenge is the difficulty in separating the effects of nature geneticsgenetics from nurture environmentenvironment. This complexity makes it challenging to determine the exact contribution of biological factors to behavior.

Vocabulary: Confounding variable - A factor that influences both the independent and dependent variables, potentially leading to misleading conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships.

Another limitation is the potential for drawing causal conclusions from correlational data. While the biological approach may identify associations between neurochemical factors and behaviors, it's crucial to remember that correlation does not imply causation.

Quote: "Discovering an association between two factors does not mean one is a cause."

The biological approach has also been criticized for presenting a deterministic view of behavior, suggesting that human actions are governed by internal, biological causes beyond individual control. This perspective can have implications for areas such as criminal law, where offenders are typically held legally and morally responsible for their actions.

Example: If genetic factors were found to strongly influence criminal behavior, it could complicate legal proceedings and concepts of personal responsibility.

Lastly, twin studies, while valuable, have their limitations. The concordance rates for monozygotic twins are not 100% for most traits, indicating that factors beyond genetics play a role in behavior. However, the higher concordance rates in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins do support the influence of genetic factors.

In conclusion, while the biological approach in psychology provides valuable insights into the physiological underpinnings of behavior, it's essential to consider its strengths and limitations when applying this perspective to understand human psychology.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

21 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.

 

Psychology

189

9 Oct 2022

2 pages

Biological Approach in Psychology: Examples, Studies, and Key Points

user profile picture

yam

@yam_lnur

The biological approach in psychology explores how biological structures and processes influence human behavior and mental processes. This perspective emphasizes the role of genetics, neurochemistry, and the nervous system in shaping psychological phenomena. Biological approach psychologyinvestigates the genetic basis... Show more

SUMMARY
~The Biological approach.
Assumptions
That everything psychological is at first biological, so to fully
understand human behaviour,

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evaluation of the Biological Approach

The biological approach in psychology offers several strengths and limitations that are important to consider when evaluating its contributions to our understanding of human behavior.

One of the primary strengths of the biological approach psychology is its use of scientific methods for investigation. These include:

Example: Brain imaging techniques like fMRI, physiological measures such as ECG, family and twin studies, and drug trials.

These methods provide reliable data and contribute to the approach's scientific credibility. The biological approach also has significant real-life applications, particularly in the development of psychoactive drugs for treating mental illnesses.

Highlight: Psychoactive medications have been instrumental in treating serious mental disorders, improving the quality of life for many individuals.

However, the approach faces several limitations. One challenge is the difficulty in separating the effects of nature geneticsgenetics from nurture environmentenvironment. This complexity makes it challenging to determine the exact contribution of biological factors to behavior.

Vocabulary: Confounding variable - A factor that influences both the independent and dependent variables, potentially leading to misleading conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships.

Another limitation is the potential for drawing causal conclusions from correlational data. While the biological approach may identify associations between neurochemical factors and behaviors, it's crucial to remember that correlation does not imply causation.

Quote: "Discovering an association between two factors does not mean one is a cause."

The biological approach has also been criticized for presenting a deterministic view of behavior, suggesting that human actions are governed by internal, biological causes beyond individual control. This perspective can have implications for areas such as criminal law, where offenders are typically held legally and morally responsible for their actions.

Example: If genetic factors were found to strongly influence criminal behavior, it could complicate legal proceedings and concepts of personal responsibility.

Lastly, twin studies, while valuable, have their limitations. The concordance rates for monozygotic twins are not 100% for most traits, indicating that factors beyond genetics play a role in behavior. However, the higher concordance rates in monozygotic twins compared to dizygotic twins do support the influence of genetic factors.

In conclusion, while the biological approach in psychology provides valuable insights into the physiological underpinnings of behavior, it's essential to consider its strengths and limitations when applying this perspective to understand human psychology.

SUMMARY
~The Biological approach.
Assumptions
That everything psychological is at first biological, so to fully
understand human behaviour,

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Biological Approach: Assumptions and Genetic Basis

The biological approach in psychology is founded on key assumptions about the relationship between biology and behavior. This perspective posits that all psychological phenomena have a biological basis, emphasizing the importance of examining bodily structures and processes to fully comprehend human behavior.

Definition: The biological approach asserts that the mind is intrinsically linked to the brain, suggesting that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors ultimately have a physical foundation.

Behavior genetics plays a crucial role in this approach, investigating whether behavioral characteristics are inherited similarly to physical traits. Twin studies are a primary method used to explore the genetic basis of behavior.

Example: Twin studies compare concordance rates between monozygotic identicalidentical and dizygotic fraternalfraternal twins to determine the likelihood of genetic influence on specific traits.

The concepts of genotype and phenotype are central to understanding genetic influences on behavior:

Vocabulary:

  • Genotype: The actual genetic makeup of an individual.
  • Phenotype: The observable expression of genes through characteristics.

It's important to note that environmental factors can influence how genotypes are expressed as phenotypes. This interplay between genes and environment demonstrates that the biological approach in psychology acknowledges the role of both nature and nurture in shaping human behavior.

Highlight: Even identical twins with the same genotype may exhibit slight differences in phenotype due to environmental influences, such as lifestyle choices or experiences.

The biological approach also incorporates evolutionary theory to explain behavior. Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection suggests that genetically determined behaviors that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to persist in future generations.

Quote: "Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individual's survival and reproduction will continue in future generations."

This evolutionary perspective helps explain why certain behaviors may have been adaptive in our ancestral environment and continue to influence human behavior today.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user