top of page

Strengths: The use of EEGs provided an objective measure of sleep stages.

Biological Approach

Psychology Notes

 A Level/AS Level/O Level

Biological Approach

The Biological Approach to Psychology: Your Body's Influence on Your Mind

The biological approach is like looking at the human mind as a super complex machine. It focuses on how our brains, hormones, and genes affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Think of it like this: just as your car needs specific parts to run, your body needs specific biological processes to function mentally.

1. The Brain: The Control Center

-Neurons: Tiny little messengers, like electrical signals, that zip through your brain, carrying information from one part to another. Imagine them like tiny wires connecting different parts of your computer. -Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers that travel between neurons. They can influence things like mood, motivation, and even how you learn. Think of them like tiny envelopes carrying messages between the wires. -Brain Structure: Different parts of your brain are responsible for different things, like language, memory, or emotions. It's like having different departments in a company, each with its own role. -Example: If you're having trouble remembering things, the problem might be with the hippocampus, the part of your brain responsible for memory.

2. Hormones: The Chemical Messengers

-Hormones: Chemicals produced by your glands that travel through your bloodstream and influence your mood, growth, and even your sex drive. Think of them like the messengers who carry information throughout your entire body. -Example: If you're feeling stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol, which can increase your heart rate and make you feel anxious.

3. Genetics: The Blueprint

-Genes: Tiny pieces of information that determine your traits, like your hair color or eye color. But did you know genes also play a role in your personality and risk for certain mental illnesses? Imagine your genes as the blueprint for building yourself, but also your mind. -Example: If your parents have a history of depression, you might have a higher chance of developing it yourself.

Strengths of the Biological Approach

-Scientific Evidence: The biological approach is based on solid scientific research, using tools like brain scans, genetic testing, and studies of how drugs affect the brain. -Objective Measurement: Tools like EEGs (brain wave recordings) and fMRI scans (measuring brain activity) provide objective ways to study the brain and its influence on behavior. -Example: EEGs can help diagnose sleep disorders by measuring brain activity during different stages of sleep. -Real-World Applications: The biological approach has helped develop treatments for many mental disorders, like anxiety and depression, through medications that target specific neurotransmitters.

Limitations of the Biological Approach

-Oversimplification: The biological approach sometimes oversimplifies complex human behavior. It's not just about biology; our experiences, environment, and social interactions also play huge roles in shaping our minds. -Reductionism: Reducing complex mental processes to simply biological factors can ignore the importance of social and psychological influences.

Real-World Example: ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a good example of how the biological approach can help understand a condition. Research suggests that people with ADHD may have differences in their brain structure and activity, particularly in areas related to attention and impulse control. This knowledge has led to the development of medications that target specific neurotransmitters and help manage ADHD symptoms.

The biological approach is like a powerful microscope, helping us understand how our bodies influence our minds. However, it's important to remember that we are complex beings, and our experiences, thoughts, and social connections also play vital roles in shaping who we are.

Bonus Notes

Psychology Essay Answers: Biological Approach to Sleep

Question 1: EEG has been instrumental in identifying distinct sleep stages by recording brainwave activity. It revealed different patterns like slow-wave sleep (NREM) with delta waves, characterized by deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, marked by theta waves and dreaming. This allowed researchers to map the cycle of sleep stages throughout the night, deepening our understanding of sleep architecture.

Question 2:

Strengths:
⭐Non-invasive and relatively inexpensive.
⭐Provides real-time data on brain activity, revealing different brain states associated with sleep and wakefulness.
⭐Helps identify abnormalities in brainwave patterns related to sleep disorders.

Limitations:
⭐Limited to surface brain activity, unable to pinpoint specific neural pathways involved.
⭐Susceptible to artifacts from muscle activity and external stimuli.
⭐Does not directly measure other physiological parameters like breathing or muscle tone.

Question 3:

⭐Serotonin is tied to arousal and wakefulness, promoting alertness. Lower levels in the evening facilitate sleep onset.
⭐Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, promoting sleepiness. Its release is triggered by darkness and suppressed by light.

Question 4:

⭐Insomnia can be associated with genetic predisposition to anxiety and stress, which disrupt sleep.
⭐Narcolepsy is linked to mutations affecting the hypocretin neurotransmitter system, responsible for regulating wakefulness and REM sleep.

Question 5:

The biological approach has significantly advanced our understanding of sleep:

⭐Mapping sleep stages: EEG revealed distinct brain activity patterns, clarifying the architecture of sleep.
⭐Identifying key neurotransmitters: Understanding the role of serotonin, melatonin, and hypocretin in sleep regulation.
⭐Exploring genetic influences: Uncovering genetic predispositions to insomnia and narcolepsy.

However, sleep is a complex phenomenon involving multiple biological, psychological, and social factors. The biological approach alone is insufficient to fully explain sleep disorders. Addressing environmental, behavioral, and cognitive aspects is crucial for effective treatment.

bottom of page