Biological Approach

Biological Approach Definition

The biological perspective proposes that biological structures determine our behaviour and thoughts. These structures include neurons, brain regions, neurotransmitters or genes. A simple definition of this is:

In contrast to the cognitive approach, in the biological approach, the mind is not seen as separate from the physical makeup of our bodies. There is no 'ghost in the machine; instead, the physical machine is made up of many structures, e.g. cells that work together to enable us to function.

Biopsychology is where psychology and biology overlap. The essential ideas taken from biology and applied to psychology are natural selection, localisation of brain functions, and brain chemicals as a basis of behaviour. Let's have a closer look at how these ideas impact behaviour.

Biological Approach Assumptions

In biopsychology, exploring human biology and genes throughout history and today using more advanced technology has created some assumptions that the biological approach follows. There are three main ones:

1. Genes determine our behaviour.
2. Brain functions are localised.
3. Neurochemicals are the basis of behaviour.

One of the key assumptions of the biological approach is that traits and behaviours can be inherited from our parents. It also assumes the traits get passed down from one generation to another to ensure survival in the natural environment.

Fig 1. - Biological approaches propose that genetics and biology determine thoughts and behaviour.

To highlight how genetics and biology can influence our actions, we will look at some examples of the biological approach that aims to explain human behaviour.

Biological Approach Examples

Here we will look into some examples of biological approaches, including genes determining behaviour, evolutionary explanations of behaviour, brain functionality, and neurochemicals and behaviour.

Biological Approach: Genes Determine Behaviour

Natural selection is the idea that biological advantages of a species (e.g., sharper beaks, bigger brains, better night vision) get passed down to future generations in an inherited biological trait and was proposed by Darwin in what is commonly known as the theory of evolution.

A century after Darwin, advances in biotechnology have allowed us to confirm the existence of inherited physical traits, or genes, in cell DNA. Geneticists are still trying to figure out how genes influence behaviour; however, twin studies and family histories show that a lot of behaviour can be explained using the ideas of genotypes and phenotypes.

We carry a specific combination of our parents' genetic information (DNA) called the genotype. However, only the dominant traits are observable. These outwardly observable genes are called phenotypes, determined by both the genotype and the environment.

Knowing about genotypes and phenotypes has helped us understand why some people show certain behaviours, and some don't.

Biological Approach: Evolutionary Explanations of Behaviour

Evolutionary adaptation means the traits passed down over many generations best help the individual survive in the natural environment.

Most adaptations of the theory of evolution address physical traits. But psychology is particularly interested in behavioural traits, meaning how people have developed over time to better adapt to their environment. This includes behaviours such as altruism, attachment and communication through facial expressions.

Biological Approach: Brain Functionality

Biopsychology assumes that different parts of the brain have different functions rather than the whole brain working at all times.

There are many methods for studying brain anatomy, including imaging like fMRI, PET scans, post mortems, or studying the behaviour of people with pre-existing brain damage.

Research has revealed that different areas of the brain correlate with specific functions.

Biological Approach: Neurochemicals and Behaviour

A lot of behaviour can be explained by the presence or absence of specific messenger chemicals in the brain- specifically neurotransmitters, hormones and immune system messengers.

Biological Approach to Depression

Another example of a biological approach to explaining psychological theories involves the aetiology (the cause of) and treatment of depression, involving neurochemicals that influence mood and behaviour.

The biological model would treat major depression by using drug therapy, involving prescribing and taking drugs (known as antidepressants) to correct the imbalance of neurotransmitters.

Another practical application of advances in biopsychology is transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS), a kind of low-voltage electrical current applied to the brain, which holds promise in alleviating symptoms of depression.

However, this approach does not consider the emotions and environmental stressors that can play a part in the development and continuation of the illness, which we will discuss more in an evaluation of the biological approach.

Fig 2. - A biological treatment for depression involves antidepressant drugs that balance neurotransmitter levels.

Biological Approach Strengths and Weaknesses

The biological perspective has several advantages over other approaches but also some disadvantages. Let's break down its evaluation.

Biological Approach Strengths

First, multiple strengths of the biological approach exist, making this approach reliable and objective compared to some other approaches. Let's have a look at some of its pros:

• Objective scientific and biological evidence can be found using technology. Continually building on scientific evidence increases this research field's reliability and validity.

• Real-world applications of these biological discoveries help to improve people's lives greatly. As we have mentioned with drug therapy treatments, other examples include drugs (e.g. L-Dopa) that increase dopamine levels for people with Parkinson's Disease to reduce shaking and muscle spasm symptoms.

Biological Approach Weaknesses

Although there are many advantages to the biological approach, it's not perfect. Let's take a look at some of the weaknesses of this approach:

• The approach oversimplifies humans and our physiology. Other factors may influence our behaviour, and one biological treatment may not help those affected by external issues.

• Determinism relating to the biological approach is the concept of thinking if people's behaviour is determined by their genetics and biology, then can they truly control and be held accountable for this behaviour? This brings up philosophies about the human ability of free will and whether we are consciously responsible for our behaviour.

• It is said the biological approach doesn't consider individual differences within people. People may be biologically similar but not identical, so can it really be assumed that a biological treatment will work best for the majority? There can be differences in gender, ethnicity and neurodiversity that may mean biological approaches cannot be generalised to the whole population so easily.

• There are issues of correlation vs causation in scientific research. A correlation assumes that as one variable changes (e.g. neurotransmitter levels), the other variable changes (e.g. mood). The issue is that we can't establish which variable is the cause and which is the effect or understand if any mediational processes are influencing these findings.

Fig 3. - Factors relating to our environment may also influence human thought and behaviour.