Biological Approach Vs. Cognitive Approach
1: Similarity in how they view free will (both state that humans do not have
free will, instead reducing behaviour to stimulus and response processes).
2: both tend to be nomothetic rather than idiographic
3: Difference in how they explain how behaviour is affected:
Biological: behaviour is affected by genetics, biological structures and
neurochemistry:
- Phenotype + genotype = environment
- Monozygotic (100% identical) and dizygotic (50% identical) twins
concordance rate measures agreement between twins
- Evolution
- CNS (controls physiology)
- PNS (autonomic and somatic)
- Endocrine system pituitary gland
- Body chemistry hormones; neurotransmitters via cerebral fluid; low level of
serotonin = OCD; high levels of dopamine = schizophrenia.
Cognitive: the mind works like a computer in that it has an input, which it
processes to then produce an output:
- Multi-store model of memory (theoretical model): sensory input sensory
memory register attention short-term memory rehearsal loop
consolidation long-term memory retrieval short-term memory.
- Information processing model: environmental stimuli mediating cognitive
factors output/behavioural response.
- Computer model: input storage retrieval output
stimulus attention memory response
4: Cognitive emphasises the role of schemas; biological does not:
- A schema is a cognitive representation of our ideas about a person or situation.
- They are formed through experience.
- They allow us to understand and predict the world around us.
- They are unique to each individual.
- There is a cultural effect (which biological does not have as it considers
biological factors to be universal to all, not just a group) as some cultures form
shared schemas due to shared experience.
5: Cognitive approach emphasises the emergence of neuroscience, as does
the biological (similarity):
- George Miller & Michael Gazzaniga (1971).
- Combines psychology, neuroscience and cognitive science.
- Looks for a biological basis to thought processes, specifically at how neurons
explain the processes.
1: Similarity in how they view free will (both state that humans do not have
free will, instead reducing behaviour to stimulus and response processes).
2: both tend to be nomothetic rather than idiographic
3: Difference in how they explain how behaviour is affected:
Biological: behaviour is affected by genetics, biological structures and
neurochemistry:
- Phenotype + genotype = environment
- Monozygotic (100% identical) and dizygotic (50% identical) twins
concordance rate measures agreement between twins
- Evolution
- CNS (controls physiology)
- PNS (autonomic and somatic)
- Endocrine system pituitary gland
- Body chemistry hormones; neurotransmitters via cerebral fluid; low level of
serotonin = OCD; high levels of dopamine = schizophrenia.
Cognitive: the mind works like a computer in that it has an input, which it
processes to then produce an output:
- Multi-store model of memory (theoretical model): sensory input sensory
memory register attention short-term memory rehearsal loop
consolidation long-term memory retrieval short-term memory.
- Information processing model: environmental stimuli mediating cognitive
factors output/behavioural response.
- Computer model: input storage retrieval output
stimulus attention memory response
4: Cognitive emphasises the role of schemas; biological does not:
- A schema is a cognitive representation of our ideas about a person or situation.
- They are formed through experience.
- They allow us to understand and predict the world around us.
- They are unique to each individual.
- There is a cultural effect (which biological does not have as it considers
biological factors to be universal to all, not just a group) as some cultures form
shared schemas due to shared experience.
5: Cognitive approach emphasises the emergence of neuroscience, as does
the biological (similarity):
- George Miller & Michael Gazzaniga (1971).
- Combines psychology, neuroscience and cognitive science.
- Looks for a biological basis to thought processes, specifically at how neurons
explain the processes.
