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The biological approach (Key terms (Biological approach: Views humans as…
The biological approach
The biological approach to psychology focuses on genetics, neurochemistry, the nervous and endocrine systems and evolution of behaviour.
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Evolution and behaviour
Darwin argued that individuals who have physical and behavioural characteristics that enable them to survive and reproduce pass them to the next generation. Through this process of evolution by natural selection, successive generations become better adapted to their environment.
Evaluation
Strengths
The importance of the scientific method Scientific method allows biological psychologists to replicate research studies to check their soundness.
Applications of the biological approach Research into neurochemical imbalance in depression has led to effective drug treatments. research into circadian rhythms has led to a better understanding of the psychological impact of shift work.
Limitations
The biological approach is reductionist Neurochemical and hormonal explanations of mental disorders are reductinist and arguably ignore cognitive, emotional and cultural influences.
The dangers of genetic explanations genetic explanations of behaviour may be poorly understood and potentially abused.
Key terms
Biological approach: Views humans as biological organisms and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning.
Evolution: Refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic make-up of a particular population. the central proposition of an evolutionary perspective is that the genotype of an population is changeable rather than fixed, and that this change is likely to be caused by the process of natural selection.
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Genotype: the genetic make-up of an individual. The genotype is a collection of inherited genetic material that is passed from generation to generation.
Phenotype: The observable characteristics of an individual. This is a consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment.
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