outline and evaluate the biological approach- 16 marker
would someone be able to mark this 16 marker on the biological approach as my teachers are reluctant to mark my work. would be greatly appreciated
The biological approach is composed of three main assumptions. The first one being that our behaviour is influenced by our genetic material which has evolved like our physical characteristics through evolutionary adaptation to meet the demands of our environment. Secondly, the central nervous system is the main focus when explaining behaviour as it is the origin of how the world is seen and acted upon. Thirdly, neurotransmitters are seen to influence our behaviour as they influence our reactions to the environment.
The biological approach highlights the influence of genes on behaviour. The genotype refers to an individual's genetic material which dictates characteristics such as hair colour. The phenotype refers to when the genotype interacts with the environment. To highlight the influence of the genotype, twin studies are conducted on MZ and DZ twins, to measure concordance rates and the influence of genes. For example, in MZ twins, the concordance rate for schizophrenia was 48% compared to DZ twins 18%.
Another important aspect of the biological approach are biological structures. For example, the central nervous system, the endocrine system which controls and releases hormones, neurons which send messages to and from the brain as well as the PNS which detects information from our environment, sending it to the brain
A strength of the biological approach is that it is highly scientific. Due to greater availability of technology, scientists are now able to examine the effects of biological processes on human behaviour to a greater extent. For example, EEG and FMRI make it possible to accurately measure brain activity. Additionally, the technology used is unbiased, increasing the objectivity of the approach. This allows for a higher level of control, establishing a clear cause and effect. this creates standardisation allowing for replicability and increased credibility for the biological approach
Another strength of the biological approach is that it has practical applications. The biological approach has led to treatments for mental disorders. For example, a key factor of OCD is low serotonin, which has now led to drug prescriptions to increase and balance levels of serotonin. SSRIs, which help reduce reuptake of serotonin which increases mood. This allows sufferers to be treated which can allow them to go back to work sooner, beneficial for the economy whilst improving quality of life. This is a strength as it shows the value of the biological approach to treat the ill and increase quality of life for OCD patients.
A criticism of the biological approach is that it is reductionist. Reductionism is the view that human behaviour can be explained by breaking it into small components, such as genes. For example, the biological explanation of depression suggests that depression is caused by a low level of serotonin, while ignoring cognitive, emotional
and cultural factors. This matters because the biological approach disregards any other factors that can contribute to depression which makes it an incomplete, reductionist approach to explaining human behaviour
The biological approach is composed of three main assumptions. The first one being that our behaviour is influenced by our genetic material which has evolved like our physical characteristics through evolutionary adaptation to meet the demands of our environment. Secondly, the central nervous system is the main focus when explaining behaviour as it is the origin of how the world is seen and acted upon. Thirdly, neurotransmitters are seen to influence our behaviour as they influence our reactions to the environment.
The biological approach highlights the influence of genes on behaviour. The genotype refers to an individual's genetic material which dictates characteristics such as hair colour. The phenotype refers to when the genotype interacts with the environment. To highlight the influence of the genotype, twin studies are conducted on MZ and DZ twins, to measure concordance rates and the influence of genes. For example, in MZ twins, the concordance rate for schizophrenia was 48% compared to DZ twins 18%.
Another important aspect of the biological approach are biological structures. For example, the central nervous system, the endocrine system which controls and releases hormones, neurons which send messages to and from the brain as well as the PNS which detects information from our environment, sending it to the brain
A strength of the biological approach is that it is highly scientific. Due to greater availability of technology, scientists are now able to examine the effects of biological processes on human behaviour to a greater extent. For example, EEG and FMRI make it possible to accurately measure brain activity. Additionally, the technology used is unbiased, increasing the objectivity of the approach. This allows for a higher level of control, establishing a clear cause and effect. this creates standardisation allowing for replicability and increased credibility for the biological approach
Another strength of the biological approach is that it has practical applications. The biological approach has led to treatments for mental disorders. For example, a key factor of OCD is low serotonin, which has now led to drug prescriptions to increase and balance levels of serotonin. SSRIs, which help reduce reuptake of serotonin which increases mood. This allows sufferers to be treated which can allow them to go back to work sooner, beneficial for the economy whilst improving quality of life. This is a strength as it shows the value of the biological approach to treat the ill and increase quality of life for OCD patients.
A criticism of the biological approach is that it is reductionist. Reductionism is the view that human behaviour can be explained by breaking it into small components, such as genes. For example, the biological explanation of depression suggests that depression is caused by a low level of serotonin, while ignoring cognitive, emotional
and cultural factors. This matters because the biological approach disregards any other factors that can contribute to depression which makes it an incomplete, reductionist approach to explaining human behaviour
This is a really good answer! It's a shame your teachers are reluctant to mark your work, considering it's their job to help you 😅
You're structure is really good- you've got good AO1 knowledge and you've got 3 AO3 evaluation paragraphs which is exactly what you need.
However there could be a bit more detail into your AO3 paragraphs. For example, in your last paragraph, you mentioned "ignoring cognitive, emotional and cultural factors"- you could give a brief example of one of these eg negative schema (cognitive) contributing to depression.
Overall, well done! You're answer would probably be in the top band for marks (I've written answers similar to yours and got 14/16). If you had any questions I'll try to answer them the best I can
You're structure is really good- you've got good AO1 knowledge and you've got 3 AO3 evaluation paragraphs which is exactly what you need.
However there could be a bit more detail into your AO3 paragraphs. For example, in your last paragraph, you mentioned "ignoring cognitive, emotional and cultural factors"- you could give a brief example of one of these eg negative schema (cognitive) contributing to depression.
Overall, well done! You're answer would probably be in the top band for marks (I've written answers similar to yours and got 14/16). If you had any questions I'll try to answer them the best I can
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 2
elyasb
OP
1
Original post by always-anxious
This is a really good answer! It's a shame your teachers are reluctant to mark your work, considering it's their job to help you 😅
You're structure is really good- you've got good AO1 knowledge and you've got 3 AO3 evaluation paragraphs which is exactly what you need.
However there could be a bit more detail into your AO3 paragraphs. For example, in your last paragraph, you mentioned "ignoring cognitive, emotional and cultural factors"- you could give a brief example of one of these eg negative schema (cognitive) contributing to depression.
Overall, well done! You're answer would probably be in the top band for marks (I've written answers similar to yours and got 14/16). If you had any questions I'll try to answer them the best I can
You're structure is really good- you've got good AO1 knowledge and you've got 3 AO3 evaluation paragraphs which is exactly what you need.
However there could be a bit more detail into your AO3 paragraphs. For example, in your last paragraph, you mentioned "ignoring cognitive, emotional and cultural factors"- you could give a brief example of one of these eg negative schema (cognitive) contributing to depression.
Overall, well done! You're answer would probably be in the top band for marks (I've written answers similar to yours and got 14/16). If you had any questions I'll try to answer them the best I can
thank you very much, I appreciate the feedback
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