1. The Biological Approach
By Albee, Hafsah & Hermione

2. What is unique?
The only approach that looks at thoughts, feelings and behaviours from a biological and physical point of view.
Looks at behaviours being caused by inheritance of certain genes from parents.
Supports the nature side of the debate.
Scientific approach and methods

3. Strengths Scientific Scientific methods:
lab experiments (Sperry’s Split Brain research, brain scans, twin and adoption studies.
Shared set of assumptions
Terminology
Technology- more reliable methods of research (e.g. fMRIs, PET scans), physical proof (unlike cognitive 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.
Deterministic
It increases the likelihood of being able to treat people with abnormal behaviour and provides explanations about the causes of behaviour.
For example, the discovery that depression is linked to there being too little serotonin within the brain has been supported by the effective use of antidepressant drugs such as Prozac.
The experimental methods used (gathering empirical [i.e. observable] evidence) make this approach very scientific

4. Criticisms Case study method e.g. Phineas gage
Difficult to generalise the findings to wider population as they are so specific and detailed
However, very detailed and provide multi-sided approach towards the research.

5. Application Drug treatments (treat OCD)
Brain scans- (e.g. MRI, PET, CAT)
Electroencephalograms (EEGs)
Neurosurgery
Stress response IQ