THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH - ESSAY

Outline + Evaluate the biological approach (16 marks): Outline the biological approach (6 marks) - The key assumptions of the biological approach are: 1. Humans are biological organisms 2. Behaviour is caused by physical factors including: = Genetics - behaviour is inherited + recognises the process of evolution: - Twin/Family/Adoption studies investigate the role of genes in behaviour: - Gottesman (1991) studied schizophrenia - finding a 48% concordance rate amongst MZ twins and a 17% concordance rate amongst DZ twins - suggesting a strong genetic component to the condition - Evolution: Individuals compete with others for resources (e.g. food, mates etc) and those who are successful are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing their genes (and the behaviours that enabled survival) down to the next generation - 'natural selection' = CNS (Brain + Spinal Cord) - explains behaviour in terms of physical structures + functioning of the brain = Biochemistry - chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) and body (hormones) influence our reactions to the environment: - Dabbs et al (1995) - research into the influence of hormones on behaviour - For example, depression has been linked to a lack of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain and schizophrenia has been linked to an excess of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain Outline + Evaluate the biological approach (16 marks):