biological approach essay plan

Biological Approach In Psychology

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

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Biological psychology, also called physiological psychology, is the study of the biology of behavior; it focuses on the nervous system, hormones and genetics. Biological psychology examines the relationship between mind and body , neural mechanisms, and the influence of heredity on behavior.

Assumptions

The biological approach believes behavior to be a consequence of our genetics and physiology. It is the only approach in psychology that examines thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a biological and, thus physical point of view.

Therefore, all that is psychological is first physiological. All thoughts, feelings & behavior ultimately have a biological cause. A biological perspective is relevant to the study of psychology in three ways:

1. Comparative method : different species of animal can be studied and compared. This can help in the search to understand human behavior. 2. Physiology : how the nervous system and hormones work, how the brain functions, how changes in structure and/or function can affect behavior. For example, we could ask how prescribed drugs to treat depression affect behavior through their interaction with the nervous system. 3. Investigation of inheritance : what an animal inherits from its parents, mechanisms of inheritance (genetics). For example, we might want to know whether high intelligence is inherited from one generation to the next. Furthermore the biological approach argues that some of our behaviors and characteristics are passed on genetically because they enhance our survival such as attachment and memory.

Each of these biological aspects, the comparative, the physiological (i.e., the brain), and the genetic, can help explain human behavior.

Issues and Debates

Free will vs. determinism.

It is strongly determinist as it views behavior as caused entirely by biological factors over which individuals have no control.

Nature vs. nurture

The biological approach is firmly on the nature side of the debate; however, it does recognize that our brain is a plastic organ that changes with experience in our social world, so it does not entirely deny the influence of nurture.

Cross-cultural research involves studying a particular behavior (e.g., gender, facial expressions) across different cultures. If the behavior is found to be similar across cultures, psychologists conclude that differences in behavior are biologically (i.e., nature) based.

However, if the behavior is found to be different across cultures, then it is likely to be affected by the environment (i.e., nurture).  Cross-cultural research is useful as it contributes to the nature-nurture debate in psychology.

Holism vs. reductionism

The biological approach is reductionist as it aims to explain all behavior by the action of genetic or biochemical processes.

It neglects the influence of factors such as early childhood experiences, conditioning, or cognitive processes.

Idiographic vs. nomothetic

The biological approach is nomothetic as it establishes laws and theories about the effects of physiological and biochemical processes that apply to all people.

Are the research methods used scientific?

The biological approach uses very scientific methods such as scans and biochemistry.  Animals are often used in this approach as the approach assumes that humans are physiologically similar to animals.

Investigation of Inheritance

Twin studies provide geneticists with a kind of natural experiment in which the behavioral likeness of identical twins (whose genetic relatedness is 1.0) can be compared with the resemblance of dizygotic twins (whose genetic relatedness is 0.5).

In other words, if heredity (i.e., genetics) affects a given trait or behavior, then identical twins should show a greater similarity for that trait compared to fraternal (non-identical) twins.

There are two types of twins:

• Monozygotic = identical twins (share 100% genetic information).
• Dizygotic = non-identical twins (share 50% genetic information, similar to siblings).

Research using twin studies looks for the degree of concordance (or similarity) between identical and fraternal (i.e., non-identical) twins. Twins are concordant for a trait if both or neither of the twins exhibits the trait. Twins are said to be disconcordant for a trait if one shows it and the other does not.

Identical twins have the same genetic makeup, and fraternal twins have just 50 percent of genes in common.

Thus, if concordance rates (which can range from 0 to 100) are significantly higher for identical twins than for fraternal twins, then this is evidence that genetics play an important role in the expression of that particular behavior.

Bouchard and McGue (1981) conducted a review of 111 worldwide studies which compared the IQ of family members. The correlation figures below represent the average degree of similarity between the two people (the higher the similarity, the more similar the IQ scores).

• Identical twins raised together = .86 (correlation).
• Identical twins raised apart = .72
• Non-identical twins reared together = .60
• Siblings reared together = .47
• Siblings reared apart = .24
• Cousins = .15

However, there are methodological flaws that reduce the validity of twin studies. For example, Bouchard and McGue included many poorly performed and biased studies in their meta-analysis.

Also, studies comparing the behavior of twins raised apart have been criticized as the twins often share similar environments and are sometimes raised by a non-parental family member.

Methods of Studying the Brain

It is important to appreciate that the human brain is a highly complicated piece of biological machinery. Scientists have only just “scratched the surface” of understanding the many functions of the workings of the human brain. The brain can influence many types of behavior.

In addition to studying brain-damaged patients, we can find out about the working of the brain in three other ways.

Children begin to plan activities, make up games, and initiate activities with others. If given this opportunity, children develop a sense of initiative and feel secure in their ability to lead others and make decisions.

1 . Neuro Surgery

We know so little about the brain and its functions are so closely integrated that brain surgery is usually only attempted as a last resort.

H.M. suffered such devastating epileptic fits that, in the end, a surgical technique that had never been used before was tried out.

This technique cured his epilepsy, but in the process, the hippocampus had to be removed (this is part of the limbic system in the middle of the brain.)

Afterwards, H.M. was left with severe anterograde amnesia. I.e., He could remember what happened to him in his life up to when he had the operation, but he couldn’t remember anything new. So now we know the hippocampus is involved in memory.

2 . Electroencrphalograms (EEGs)

This is a way of recording the electrical activity of the brain (it doesn’t hurt, and it isn’t dangerous). Electrodes are attached to the scalp, and brain waves can be traced.

EEGs have been used to study sleep, and it has been found that during a typical night’s sleep, we go through a series of stages marked by different patterns of brain wave.

One of these stages is known as REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement sleep). During this, our brain waves begin to resemble those of our waking state (though we are still fast asleep) and it seems that this is when we dream (whether we remember it or not).

3 . Brain Scans

More recently, methods of studying the brain have been developed using various types of scanning equipment hooked up to powerful computers.

For example, brain imaging fMRI and PET scans map areas of the brain to cognitive function, allowing the processing of information by centers in the brain to be seen directly. Such processing causes the area of the brain involved to increase metabolism and “light up” on the scan.

The CAT scan (Computerised Axial Tomography) is a moving X-ray beam which takes “pictures” from different angles around the head and can be used to build up a 3-dimensional image of which areas of the brain are damaged.

Even more sophisticated is the PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) which uses a radioactive marker as a way of studying the brain at work.

The procedure is based on the principle that the brain requires energy to function and that the regions more involved in the performance of a task will use up more energy. What the scan, therefore, enables researchers to do is to provide ongoing pictures of the brain as it engages in mental activity.

These (and other) methods for producing images of brain structure and functioning have been extensively used to study language and PET scans, in particular, are producing evidence that suggests that the Wernicke-Gerschwind model may not after all be the answer to the question of how language is possible.

The Voyage of the Beagle (1805 – 1836) – Darwin formulated his theory of natural selection by observing animals while traveling the world.

Harlow (1848): Phineas Gage brain injury case study provides neuroscience with significant information regarding the working of the brain.

Darwin (1859) publishes On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection . 1,250 copies were printed, most of which were sold on the first day.

Jane Goodall (1957) began her study of primates in Africa, discovering that chimps have behaviors similar to those of all the human cultures on the planet.

Edward Wilson (1975) published his book, Sociobiology which brought together an evolutionary perspective to psychology.

The birth of Evolutionary Psychology begins with the publication of an essay, The Psychological Foundations of Culture , by Tooby and Cosmides (1992).

Critical Evaluation

Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection. He argued that genetically determined characteristics or behaviors that enhance our chances of survival and reproduction would be passed on to the next generation and become more common in a population.

In contrast, traits that do not enhance survival will gradually disappear. Theories within the biological approach support nature over nurture. An example of behavior of evolutionary explanation is Bowlby’s theory of attachment .

However, describing behavior solely in terms of either nature or nurture is limiting, and attempts to do this underestimate the complexity of human behavior. It is more likely that behavior is due to an interaction between nature (biology) and nurture (environment).

For example, individuals may be predisposed to certain behaviors, but these behaviors may not be displayed unless they are triggered by factors in the environment. This is known as the diathesis-stress model of human behavior.

A strength of the biological approach is that it provides clear predictions, for example, about the effects of neurotransmitters  or the behaviors of people who are genetically related. This means the explanations can be scientifically tested , replicated, and peer-reviewed.

A limitation is that most biological explanations are reductionist . They reduce behavior to the outcome of genes and other biological processes, neglecting the effects of childhood and our social and cultural environment. They don’t provide enough information to explain human behavior fully.

Furthermore, it could be argued that the biological abnormalities seen in mental disorders could be the result rather than the cause of the disorder as the brain is a plastic organ that changes with the way we use it, so it could be that, for example, the damage seen in the caudate nucleus is the result of anxiety rather than its cause.

Additionally, it could be argued that the unbalance in neurotransmitters such as low serotonin , in a depressed individual is the consequence rather than the cause of depression because the brain is a plastic organ that changes with the way we use it, so it could be that the depressed thinking causes the low level of serotonin observed.

It could be argued that twin studies do not separate nature and nature because twins are raised and live in the same environment, and the difference in the concordance rate found between MZ and DZ twins could be due to the fact that MZ twins are treated more similarly by their parents than DZ twins because they look more similar.

Also, we usually do not find a 100% concordance rate in MZ twins for mental disorders, indicating that environmental and social factors must be involved in developing these disorders.

The biological approach is determinist as it sees our behavior as caused entirely by biological factors over which we have no control. This encourages people not to take responsibility for their actions and blame their genetic makeup.

Bouchard, T. J., & McGue, M. (1981). Familial studies of intelligence: A review . Science, 212(4498) , 1055-1059.

Darwin, C. (1859). On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (1st ed.) . London: John Murray.

Harlow, J. M. (1848). Passage of an iron rod through the head. Boston Medical and Surgical Journal , 39, 389–393.

Tooby, J., & Cosmides, L. (1992). The psychological foundations of culture. In J. Barkow, L. Cosmides, & J. Tooby (Eds.), The adapted mind: Evolutionary psychology and the generation of culture . New York: Oxford University Press.

Wilson, E. (1975). Sociobiology: The New Synthesis . Harvard University Press

Further Reading

How Experience Changes Brain Plasticity

Sex differences in the brain

What has neuroscience ever done for us?

Are Bigger Brains Better?

BBC Radio 4: The influence of evolutionary theory, phrenology and a hole in Phineas Gage’s head.

BBC Radio 4: Dr Bunn discusses the impact of neurology on how we understand ourselves today.

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Paper Two in 8 Studies – Human Relationships

Travis Dixon January 22, 2021 Human Relationships

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Trying to find ways to reduce the amount of studies in IB Psychology? Here’s how the Human Relationships option can be covered in just 8 studies. 

Our “Love and Marriage” unit covers the content for Personal Relationships. Read more.

The following guidance is for the Human Relationships option, since it’s the most popular.

The IB Guide states that “Each option is divided into three topics. For each option, there will be three essay titles to choose from, one for each topic in the option.” (IB Guide, pg 35). This is  incredibly important  to remember because it drastically reduces the amount of content you have to prepare.

Personal Relationships – Overview 

Human Relationships  has three topics:

• Personal relationships
• Group dynamics
• Social responsibility

The fact that questions might link “…research, ethical considerations, or the approaches to understanding behaviour … to the topic heading” (IB Guide, p35) means that you must choose which specific topic you revise carefully. Personally, I think Personal Relationships lends itself to the best exam preparation. This is because it’s most logical how the three approaches are linked to this topic.

• Abnormal Psychology in 7 Studies
• Exam Question Bank: Paper 2 Human Relationships
• Over 100 Flashcards for IB Psychology NOW AVAILABLE!

Personal Relationships – Exam Questions

Before we know which studies to choose, we have to know what exam questions might appear. The content for the Personal Relationships topic are:

• Formation of personal relationships
• Role of communication
• Explanations for why relationships change or end

Plus we have to add the potential exam questions on the following:

• Research methods used to study personal relationships
• Ethical considerations in studies on personal relationships
• Biological approach to study personal relationships
• Cognitive approach to study personal relationships
• Sociocultural approach to study personal relationships

Careful study of the IB Guide can help you study smarter, not harder. (Taken from IB Guide p39).

Personal Relationships – The Studies

Here you can see how even with just 8 studies, you have at least three relevant studies to use for any possible exam question.

By choosing the studies carefully to match the three approaches, any possible question is covered.

Note:  It was only months after the IB Guide was published that the exam question format was clarified. This is why Attributions had to be added later. They are explained along with the studies in this blog post on Cognitive Explanations for Divorce .

Correlational studies are excellent to revise. With just 8 studies needed for the option, that gives you more time to develop deep conceptual understanding of a wider range of topics.

It’s one thing to know the studies, it’s another to understand how and why to use them. If you’re aiming for a 7, that should be the focus of your revision. Good luck!

IB Psychology flashcards are now available.

All these studies are included in our flashcards series.

*This year (May 2021) Standard Level don’t actually have Paper Two since it’s cancelled due to covid. This means it’s actually HL students who can do Paper 2 in just 7 studies.

Travis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.

Outline and Evaluate the Biological Approach (12 marks)

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Biological Approach Essay

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The Biological Approach

Last updated 5 Sept 2022

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The biological approach attempts to explain behaviour as the direct product of interactions within the body.

Key assumptions of the biological approach

• There is a direct correlation between brain activity and cognition
• Biochemical imbalances can affect behaviour
• Brain physiology can affect behaviour
• Behaviour can be inherited (as it is determined by genetic information)

Evolution and the genetic basis of behaviour

Charles Darwin’s publication – On the Origin of Species (1859) – described the process of natural selection ; characteristics that are not suited to a species’ environment will die out as it struggles to survive, and with time will evolve over generations so that only adaptive characteristics remain in future offspring.

Genes are the genetic information carried by DNA in chromosomes , found within a cell’s nucleus; they are passed on through generations of a species if individuals survive and successfully reproduce. In line with Darwin’s theory of evolution, it might also follow that genes form a basis of behaviour, as both behaviour and genes appear to be heritable . An example might be aggressive behaviour, in light of obvious survival benefits such as warding off predators and competing for resources.

Nature-nurture debate

The genotype describes the genetic configuration of an individual, whereas phenotype describes the combined effects of genetic makeup and surrounding environment on behaviour. The nature-nurture debate highlights a key argument in psychology, over the relative influence of biology and environment on the characteristics of an individual; an extreme biological approach assumes that these are determined solely by nature.

Effects of brain physiology and neurochemistry

Interactions between regions of the brain help to control different functions, which biological psychologists assume to be significant in determining our actions. For instance, the occipital lobe is involved heavily in processing sight, along with the frontal lobe, which is thought to be involved in control and attention.

Electrical impulses enable an important means of internal communication that directs our behaviour, travelling around the brain and to/from the body via the nervous system . Impulses are transmitted between neurons (nerves) at synapses , junctions where neurotransmitters are released that inhibit or excite other neurons to achieve different responses. Neurochemical imbalances in the brain are often associated with abnormal behaviour – for instance, evidence suggests that imbalances of dopamine (a neurochemical linked with the brain’s natural ‘pleasure’ system) are associated with mood disorders such as depression.

The endocrine system is a slower-acting communication system that regulates the circulation of hormones , released by glands into the bloodstream. For example, cortisol and adrenaline are key hormones that facilitate the fight or flight response , a key evolutionary survival mechanism whereby the body primes itself for imminent danger (e.g. increasing heart rate, initiating sweating to cool down, dilation of pupils, sharpened sense of hearing).

Research methods used by the biological approach

Animal studies – used to investigate biological mechanisms that govern human behaviour, often where ethical guidelines would not allow human participation. Many species (e.g. rats) are thought to have a similar biological makeup to humans, such that studies’ conclusions can be generalised to humans. However, this methodology still raises ethical debate, and some argue that complex human behaviour cannot be replicated in non-human animals like rats, and thus cannot be investigated.

Case studies – can investigate normal behaviour by observing behavioural abnormality alongside corresponding changes in biology. A very early example is the apparent personality alteration observed in Phineas Gage (mid 1800s) after a railroad construction accident drastically changed his physiology by forcing an iron rod through his brain’s frontal lobe.

Drug therapy – behaviour can be manipulated by altering an individual’s biochemistry, a research method that can ultimately lead to developing drug applications to improve health and wellbeing. Initial phases of research are usually conducted on non-humans.

Scans – physiology and activity across the brain can be gauged using various techniques (e.g. MRI, PET, CAT), helping researchers to identify the functions of specific regions (known as localisation of cortical function ).

Twin/family studies are useful for investigating the heritability of behaviour. For instance, research can investigate the likelihood that both of two twins develop a characteristic, known as a concordance rate. However, these studies can be time-consuming, due to long delays often required before follow-up data is collected. It is also difficult finding a large samples of participants for twin studies.

Example : Evidence has suggested that if one identical twin (monozygotic [MZ], with near-identical genetic information to the other) develops schizophrenia, there is a roughly 48% chance of the other also developing schizophrenia, whereas this is only about 17% with non-identical twins (dizygotic [DZ], who share about 50% of their genes). Such findings support that genetics play a significant part in the disorder.

Evaluation of the biological approach

• Scanning research techniques are useful for investigating the functions of the brain: an organ with obvious involvement in our behaviour that would otherwise be unobservable.
• The approach presents the strong nature viewpoint of the nature-nurture debate.
• The experimental methods used (gathering empirical [i.e. observable] evidence) make this approach very scientific.
• The approach is considered reductionist; complex behaviour, thoughts and emotions are all equally explained by low-level biological mechanisms such as biochemicals and nerve impulses.
• Biology alone has been unable to explain the phenomenon of consciousness.
• An extreme biological approach does not account for the wide base of evidence that points to the influence of our environment (e.g. culture and society).
• Natural selection
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• Hypothalamus

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Approaches Essay Plans

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Resources included (6)

Social Learning Theory Approach Essay Plan

Cognitive Approach Essay Plan

Behaviourist Approach Essay Plan

Biological Approach Essay Plan

Humanistic Approach Essay Plan

Outline and compare the behaviourist approach with the biological approach (16) Essay

This bundle is a plan for all the AS level approaches essays and also the Humanistic Approach essay plan. There is also a comparison essay plan for the biological approach but it’s structured in a way that you can use it as a template for other comparison essays.

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