AQA Psychology for A Level Year 1 & AS - Student Book
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DISCUSS THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH’S EXPLANATION OF BEHAVIOUR.
One basic assumption of the biological approach (BA) is genes. Biological psychologists believe that
behaviour is due to the genes an individual possesses. For example, the MAO gene determines whether an
individual behaves antisocially, however whether the phenotype expresses the gene depends on
environmental factors, such as when a person is threatened they are more likely to behave aggressively and
not antisocially. The genotype is the set of genes an individual possesses and the phenotype is the expressed
gene influenced by the environment. Biological geneticists researched whether behavioural characteristics
could be inherited in the same way as physical characteristics using twin studies and comparing concordance
rates (extent to which twins inherit the same characteristics.) They found that monozygotic (identical) twins had
higher concordance rates as they shared 100% the same genes, and dizygotic (fraternal) twins had lower
concordance rates.
Another basic assumption of the BA is evolution. According to Darwin’s theory of evolution, certain
characteristics increase chances of survival and reproduction such as being tall (advantageous traits). These
favourable characteristics are passed on from generation to generation, so the behaviour will continue.
A weakness of the BA as an explanation for behaviour is there may be other opposing theories which offer
more credible explanations for certain behaviours for example aggression. The BA would argue that high
levels of testosterone (neurotransmitter) would cause aggressive behaviour. However, the social learning
theory offers an alternative explanation and suggests that aggression is the result of an individual imitating a
role model's aggressive behaviour. Here it is modelling which causes aggression and not neurotransmitter
levels. This means that the BA offers an incomplete explanation for behaviour and ignores other factors. In
addition, the BA has been criticised for being biologically reductionist as it reduces complex human behaviour
down to a simple gene or chemical. This means that the BA ignores nurture or holistic explanations for
behaviour such as religion or experience.
One strength of the BA is that it has practical applications. Drug therapies are based on the assumption that
neurochemical imbalances cause changes in behaviour, and that drugs help treat them. For example SSRIs
(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) increase the level of serotonin at the synapse so more serotonin is
received by receiving cells. This can help treat phobias or depression. This means that the BA must be valid
as therapies based on principles such as neurotransmitter imbalances are effective.
Another strength of the BA is that its theories are testable. The BA measures observable behaviour within
controlled lab environments, so it has high scientific credibility. In addition, an advancement in technology has
allowed the use of PET scans and EEGs to link brain structures to certain behaviours e.g Broca’s area with
speech production. This means that evidence is empirical and objective and demonstrates cause and effect,
given the BA further credibility and status.
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