The biological approach - Approaches [A-Level Psychology]

Summary

This video explores the biological approach to psychology, explaining how brain structures, neurochemistry, genetics, and evolution influence human behavior. It discusses the brain's organization, hormones, neurotransmitters, and the role of genes in behavior. The video uses examples like OCD, drug therapies, and case studies to illustrate these concepts. It highlights real-life applications of biological theories, such as the development of drug therapies for mental health. The video also evaluates the biological approach by discussing its scientific reliability and limitations, such as biological determinism.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The biological approach in psychology emphasizes that human behavior is influenced by biological structures such as the brain, neurochemistry, genetics, and hormones.
• 📊 The brain is divided into various regions, each responsible for specific functions, and these regions communicate to regulate behavior.
• 💉 Hormones, such as adrenaline, influence bodily responses, like the 'fight or flight' reaction, which is activated during stressful situations.
• 🧬 Neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, play a key role in regulating mood and behavior, and imbalances can lead to psychological conditions such as depression and OCD.
• 💊 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective in treating depression and OCD by enhancing serotonin levels in the brain.
• 👶 The biological approach includes genetics, explaining that our genes shape both physical traits and behaviors, such as aggression and mental health disorders.
• 👯 Twin and family studies are used to explore the genetic influence on behavior, showing higher concordance rates for conditions like OCD among individuals who share more genetic material.
• ⚡ Neurochemicals either excite or inhibit neural activity, which impacts how messages are passed between neurons and subsequently affects behavior.
• 🔬 The biological approach is highly scientific, relying on tools like fMRI scanners and genetic analysis, leading to objective and reliable findings in psychology.
• 🌍 Evolutionary psychology suggests that certain behaviors, such as aggression, have been naturally selected because they provided survival advantages in early human societies.

Q & A

What is the biological approach to psychology?

The biological approach assumes that humans are biological beings, and behavior should be explained with reference to biological structures, neurochemistry, genetics, and evolution.

How do hormones influence behavior according to the biological approach?

Hormones, released by glands in the endocrine system, act as chemical messengers that influence behavior. For example, adrenaline increases blood flow to the brain and muscles during the fight-or-flight response, while testosterone is linked to aggression.

What role does the brain play in the biological approach?

The brain is central to the biological approach as it controls conscious and unconscious processes. Different brain structures, such as the cerebellum and frontal lobe, are associated with specific functions, including movement coordination, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

What are neurotransmitters, and how do they affect behavior?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons. They can be excitatory or inhibitory, influencing neural communication. Different neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, are linked to specific behaviors, including mood regulation and reward processing.

How do SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) work to treat conditions like depression and OCD?

SSRIs increase serotonin levels by preventing its reabsorption in the synapse, enhancing its activity and improving mood and well-being. Research shows SSRIs are effective in reducing symptoms of depression and OCD.

What is the relationship between genes and behavior in the biological approach?

Genes influence behavior by providing the blueprint for brain development and function. Specific genes, such as those affecting serotonin transport, are linked to conditions like OCD. However, gene expression may be affected by environmental factors, leading to variations in behavior.

What is the diathesis-stress model, and how does it relate to mental health disorders?

The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic vulnerability (diathesis) to disorders like OCD requires environmental stressors, such as trauma or drug use, to trigger the condition. This highlights the interaction between nature and nurture in mental health.

How does evolutionary psychology explain human behavior?

Evolutionary psychology argues that behaviors are inherited and were naturally selected because they provided survival advantages. For example, aggression in males may have been adaptive for hunting and protection in early human societies.

What are the strengths of the biological approach in psychology?

The biological approach is considered scientific due to its use of technologies like fMRI and genetic analysis. It has practical applications, such as developing effective drug therapies for mental health conditions like schizophrenia and OCD.

What are some criticisms of the biological approach?

One criticism is biological determinism, which suggests that behaviors are entirely controlled by biology, such as genes or neurochemistry. This view may undermine personal responsibility and overlooks the role of cognitive or environmental factors in behavior.