Strengths of the Biological Approach Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a strength of the biological approach?

It has no positive applications in society

It ignores scientific credibility

It focuses on nurture as well as nature

It is based on measurable, testable, objective, and controlled observations (correct)

Which type of therapy has evidence of improving disorders according to the biological approach?

Humanistic therapies

Behavioral therapies

Drug therapies (correct)

Psychoanalytic therapies

What is a weakness of the biological approach?

It reduces behavior to simple biological explanations and ignores nurture (correct)

It is not based on measurable, testable, objective, and controlled observations

It has no positive applications in society

It focuses on nurture only and ignores nature

What did VIGUERA et al find about patients with bipolar disorder?

More than 60% of patients improved when taking lithium Signup and view all the answers

Which type of methodology did RAINE use to examine the brains of criminals?

PET scans and a matched control group Signup and view all the answers

What did Raine identify as the cause of brain abnormalities in criminals?

Loss of brain asymmetry Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of the biologically deterministic approach?

It reduces complex behavior to biology alone Signup and view all the answers

What is one strength of the biologically deterministic approach?

It allows for causal understandings and improves lives Signup and view all the answers

What weakness is associated with the nomothetic nature of the approach?

It makes generalizations that people are the same Signup and view all the answers

What ethical advantage does the biologically deterministic approach have?

It removes patient blame and benefits individuals in seeking help Signup and view all the answers

What is a weakness associated with the biologically reductionist approach?

It reduces complex behavior to biology alone Signup and view all the answers

What does the biologically deterministic approach suggest behavior is determined by?

Biological factors such as biochemistry, genetics, and brain differences Signup and view all the answers

What does the biologically reductionist approach ignore?

Other factors contributing to behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the weakness in the approach's gender bias?

Suggesting that men react more to stress than women. Signup and view all the answers

What does the biologically deterministic approach ignore?

Other factors contributing to behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Biological Approach

Strength: Offers scientific explanations for mental disorders through biological factors such as genetics and neurochemistry.
Therapy with evidence: Antidepressant medication has been shown to improve mood disorders according to the biological approach.
Weakness: Overemphasis on biological factors can lead to neglect of psychological, social, and environmental influences on behavior.

Findings on Bipolar Disorder

VIGUERA et al. found that patients with bipolar disorder often experience a range of related medical issues, indicating a complex interplay of mental and physical health.

Methodology in Research

RAINE utilized neuroimaging techniques, such as PET scans, to examine the brains of criminals, allowing for biological insights into criminal behavior.

Causes of Abnormalities in Criminals

Raine identified that brain abnormalities in criminals may stem from both genetic predispositions and environmental influences, particularly early-life experiences.

Criticisms of Biological Determinism

A criticism of the biologically deterministic approach is its potential to oversimplify human behavior by attributing actions solely to biological factors, undermining the role of free will and agency.

Strength of Biological Determinism

Strength: Provides clear biological correlates to certain behaviors, which can be valuable in developing targeted medical treatments and interventions.

Weaknesses in Nomothetic Nature

The nomothetic nature of the approach, which seeks general laws and patterns, can overlook individual differences in behavior and experience, leading to one-size-fits-all solutions.

Ethical Advantages

The biologically deterministic approach benefits from a reduction in stigma surrounding mental illness, as it frames disorders as medical conditions rather than personal failures.

Weaknesses of Biological Reductionism

The biologically reductionist approach simplifies complex human behaviors to mere neurotransmitter levels and genetic factors, neglecting the influence of emotions and experiences.

Determinism in Behavior

The biologically deterministic approach suggests that behavior is largely determined by genetic makeup and neurobiological factors, limiting the consideration of environmental or situational variables.

Oversights of the Reductionist Approach

The biologically reductionist approach ignores the complexity of interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors that can influence behavior.

Gender Bias Concerns

There is a noted weakness in the approach’s gender bias, as much of the research predominantly focuses on male subjects, potentially overlooking unique female perspectives and experiences.

Neglect of Contextual Factors

The biologically deterministic approach tends to ignore the impact of cultural, social, and situational variables, which can be significant in the understanding of human behavior.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the strengths of the biological approach in psychology, which focuses on scientific methodology, measurable observations, and objective treatment methods such as drug therapies. Explore the use of PET scans, control groups, and replication in biological research.