Monday, 26 September 2011

A brief introduction to the four key appraoches 2/2

Cognitive Approach

The cognitive approach focuses on the mind when it comes to explaining behaviour.  It states that errors in mental processing and thinking have a major impact on your behaviour.  Examples of such errors include cognitive deficits (or impairments) in mental processes such as attention are linked to behavioural issues like ADHD.  Negative thinking is linked to Depression.


Watch the following clip to help develop your understanding of the cognitive approach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKw1unLjpbE

Biological Approach

According the Biological approach, "all that is psychological is first physiological".  This means that all behaviour has a physical cause.  For example:
Genetics - Puts forward that behaviour is inherited
Biochemistry / Neurotransmitters - Considers the impact of neurotransmitters in the brain such as Serotonin
Hormones - Considers the impact of hormones such as testosterone
Neuro-anatomy / Structure of the brain - Considers the impact of brain abnormalities and brain damage
Infection - Considers the impact some infections have on behaviour (e.g. untreated syphilis)


Watch the following video clips to help develop your understanding of Biological assumptions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yTCShemS_0&feature=related- Research on twins separated at birth - what does this suggest
about the role of genetics on behaviour?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0EyX4lRL2I&feature=related - How neurotransmitters work

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