4. Biological Explanation For Schizophrenia AO3

Question 1

Name an advantage of biological explanations

Answer 1

Evidence for genetic vulnerability - Tienari et al

Question 2

What did Tienari et al find

Answer 2

Adoption studies showed children of people with schizophrenia are still at heightened risk of schizophrenia if adopted into families without a history of schizophrenia

Question 3

Why does Tienari et al’s research support the biological explanation for schizophrenia

Answer 3

It may not be entirely genetic, but there is overwhelming evidence that genetic factors make some people more vulnerable

Question 4

Name an disadvantage of biological explanations

Answer 4

It is clear the environment is also involved - evidence that environmental factors can also play a role in the development of schizophrenia - this suggests it may be a combination of biological and psychological approaches