6.2.3

Biological Approach

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Biological Approach: Strengths and Weaknesses

There are several different approaches to the study of psychology: psychodynamic, cognitive, biological, and learning.

Strength - good testability

Strength - good testability

  • The biological approach follows the scientific method.
  • This allows for reliable and valid data on which statistical tests can be performed.
  • This means it has good testability.
Strength - treatments

Strength - treatments

  • Similar to the cognitive approach, the biological approach allows for the development of biological treatments.
    • For example, depression is caused by an unbalance in neurotransmitters, and then treatments can be tailored accordingly.
  • This makes the approach useful and applicable.
Weakness - lack of insight into environment

Weakness - lack of insight into environment

  • As the focus of the approach is on the internal biology of a person, there is a lack of insight into environmental factors such as family life, social status, and their childhood.
Weakness - responsibility issue

Weakness - responsibility issue

  • Some think that if there is a biological explanation for behaviour, for example aggression linked to criminal acts, it can allow people the excuse not to take responsibility for their behaviour.
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

2

Memory

3

Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5

(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

7

Biopsychology

8

Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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