Biological ApproachReductionist approach – reducing complex assumptions into simple components such as biological make up/processes. Basis/AssumptionsConsiders nature rather than nurture. Assumes that all psychology has a root in physiological make up (ie brain, nervous system, genes, neurochemistry.
Behaviour has a genetic basis – passed on from parents or evolution. To find out why human behaviour has evolved in the way it has. Evolutionary theory major part of biological approach. Research AreasGender development – genetic and hormonal predispositionsAggression – testosteroneAbnormality – dopamine/serotoninMemory – brain damageLanguage – Chomsky (origins of language development)ApplicationsResearch the work and application of one of the following biological psychologists: 1. Karl Lashley2.
David Buss3. Noam Chomsky4. Pierre Broca5. Roger Sperry6. John MoneyResearch MethodsObjective approach – analytical, not emotional, no bias.
Should not know participants. Scientific – can be replicable, experiments repeated to give same results with the same criteria. (Humans do not behave the same way all the time, are not chemical reactions)Held under lab conditions so can control conditions and variables eg environment. Nomothetic approach – establish general patterns of behaviour that can be extended to the population i. e.
1 in 10 extended to 10 in 100. Percentages received applied over population. Experiments generally need over 100 people for validity. Uses animals – believe motivation is the same, what applies to a chimp will be thought to apply the same way to humans. Results are extrapolated.
Humans do not always behave the same way as animals. EvaluationStrengthsScientific/objective, more credible. Counter argument to nurtureEffective in treating mental disorders. Schizophrenia/bi polar disease – biological approach gives very good results with appropriate drugs due to…
