To what extent do biological factors influence abnormal behaviour?

Refer to the paper 2 markbands when awarding marks.

The command term “to what extent” requires candidates to consider the contribution of biological
factors influencing abnormal behaviour. It may be appropriate and useful for candidates to
address the influence of other factors (for example, environmental factors) in order to respond to
the command term “to what extent”.

Anxiety disorders, affective disorders and eating disorders will most likely be presented. It is, however, acceptable to use other examples of disorders or abnormal behaviours.

Biological factors could include, but are not limited to:

• the role of genes (for example, correlational studies related to eating disorders)
• hormones (for example, the cortisol theory of depression)
• neurotransmitters (for example, the serotonin hypothesis)
• evolutionary theories (for example, preparedness with phobias).
• Candidates could choose to provide a general response on the extent to which biological factors influence abnormal behaviour or they could provide a response discussing the extent to which biological factors influence one specific disorder.

Candidates may address one or a small number of biological factors in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of biological factors in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.