Psychology WJEC PY1 Biological Assumptions

Exam Question 1(a) "Outline 2 assumptions of the _____ Approach" [4]

Structure your question clearly like this:

Assumption 1: (name assumption, e.g The Endocrine System)        

Briefly describe assumption, giving at least one example of how this assumption is used in the approach (e.g. in biological, dopamine in high levels is linked to patients with schizophrenia)

Assumption 2: (name second assumption)                                        

Briefly describe, again giving at least one example.

Now onto the Biological Assumptions... -->

Summary Notes

• All behaviour (including abnormal) has physiological (physical) causes.
• Abnormal behaviour may be caused by the endocrine system (which secretes hormones into the bloodstream)
• An imbalance of hormones/chemicals in the brain can cause abnormal behaviour

Include an example:

An imbalance of dopamine is linked to schizophrenia.

Testosterone in high levels is linked to aggression.

Summary Notes

• The Bio Approach focuses on the brain and behaviour, all behaviour has a physiological (physical) cause related to brain structure.
• Each area of the brain has different functions related to behaviour, this is called localisation.
• Therefore if damaged is caused to one area of the brain, then specific functions may be lost.

Include an example:

A patient with damage to the frontal lobe of their brain may lose long term memory

Damage to occipital lobe = loss of vision etc..

Assumption 1: The Endocrine System

According to the biological approach, an imbalance of hormones can cause abnormal behaviour. Hormones are controlled by the endocrine system, releasing them into the bloodstream. For example: Dopamine in high levels is linked to patients with schizophrenia, also, high levels of testosterone is linked to causing aggressive behaviour.

Assumption 2: The Structure of the Brain

According to the biological approach, each part of the brain is separated into different lobes, these each have different functions in terms of behaviour. For example, patients with brain damage to their frontal lobes could experience a loss of long term memory. This separation of functions to different lobes is called localisation.

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