The Biological Approach in Psychology
Ever wondered why you're similar to your parents in ways that go beyond just looks? The biological approach assumes that everything psychological starts as biological - meaning your genes, brain structure, and brain chemistry all play massive roles in shaping who you are.
Twin studies are psychology's clever way of figuring out what's genetic versus environmental. Identical twins (MZ) share 100% of their genes, whilst fraternal twins (DZ) only share 50%. When researchers find that identical twins are more similar than fraternal twins - like the 68% vs 31% rates for OCD - it suggests genetics matter loads.
The approach also looks at evolutionary hangovers - behaviours that helped our ancestors survive but might not be so useful today. Think about how attachment behaviours in newborns naturally promote survival, making them more likely to be passed down through natural selection.
Your genotype is your genetic makeup, but your phenotype is how those genes actually show up in your behaviour and characteristics. Here's the thing - your phenotype depends on both your genes AND your environment working together.
Key Insight: Most human behaviour comes from nature and nurture interacting, not just one or the other!
Strengths: This approach has led to brilliant treatments like antidepressants that target serotonin levels, helping millions manage conditions like clinical depression. Limitations: It can be quite deterministic (suggesting we have no free will) and it's really hard to separate genetic influences from environmental ones since family members share both genes AND environments.
