Overview
This lecture evaluates the biological approach in psychology, discussing its main strengths, limitations, supporting evidence, practical applications, and relevant debates.
Supporting Evidence for the Biological Approach
- Phineas Gage’s case shows frontal lobe damage can alter personality and behavior.
- PET scan studies (Tulving et al., 1994) found episodic and semantic memories activate different prefrontal cortex areas.
- Twin studies (Nestadt et al., 2010) show higher concordance rates for OCD in monozygotic twins versus dizygotic twins, suggesting a genetic basis.
Strengths of the Biological Approach
- Uses scientific, objective research methods like brain scanning (e.g., fMRIs) to study biological processes.
- Controlled and standardized experiments allow causality to be established and findings to be replicated, increasing reliability.
Limitations of the Biological Approach
- Case studies (e.g., Phineas Gage) have limited generalizability due to unique, rare circumstances.
- Animal research may not translate well to human behavior due to complex differences in consciousness, language, and morality.
- Overemphasis on nature (biology) may neglect environmental influences (nurture) on behavior.
- Biological determinism suggests individuals have little control over behavior, raising ethical and legal concerns.
Practical Applications
- Discoveries about neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin’s role in OCD) have led to effective drug treatments like SSRIs.
Debates Relevant to the Biological Approach
- Nature vs. Nurture: The approach mainly emphasizes innate biological factors, downplaying environmental impacts.
- Free Will vs. Determinism: Biological approach is deterministic, attributing behavior to uncontrollable internal factors, which can impact views on responsibility and treatment.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Concordance Rate — the likelihood that both twins exhibit the same trait or disorder.
- Monozygotic Twins — identical twins sharing 100% of genetic material.
- Dizygotic Twins — fraternal twins sharing about 50% of genes.
- fMRI/PET Scan — brain imaging techniques measuring activity and blood flow.
- SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) — a medication increasing serotonin levels, used to treat conditions like OCD.
- Determinism — the view that behavior is controlled by internal or external factors beyond personal choice.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Choose four evaluation points for essay preparation.
- Review more on SSRIs and OCD, if interested.
- Explore other psychological approaches for a balanced understanding.