The Biological Approach

Question 1

What are the four assumptions of the biological approach?

Answer 1

• genetics
• biological structures
• neurochemistry
• evolution

Question 2

Genetics

Answer 2

• Genotype: physical and psychological characteristics
• Phenotype: environmental factors
• Twin studies have been used as strong evidence for a genetic cause for anorexia
• Mz (identical): 56% concordance for anorexia
• Dz (non-identical): 5% concordance for anorexia

Question 3

Biological structures

Answer 3

• Brain scans have been used as evidence that brain damage causes schizophrenia
• Schizophrenics have larger brain ventricles by 20% than people without schizophrenia
• Difficulty establishing cause and effect

Question 4

Neurochemistry

Answer 4

• Biochemical studies have been used as evidence that neurotransmitter levels cause mental abnormality
• Low levels of serotonin links to depression
• Difficulty establishing cause and effect

Question 5

Evolution

Answer 5

• Evolution can explain human behaviour
• Research has shown that the fight or flight response is adaptive and aids survival
• As it has been passed down through generations, we cant test it