Explain one similarity and one difference between cognitive and genetic explanations of schizophrenia.
Comparison will be for the cognitive explanation as outlined by Frith (1992) and the genetic explanation as outlined by Gottesman and Shields (1972).
Similarities
Both Gottesman and Frith believe that there is a biological basis for schizophrenia. Gottesman focusses on genetics and Frith also believes that genetics plays a part in the development of schizophrenia. Gottesman found a high concordance rate between MZ twins. Frith suggests that brain structure and biochemical processes also influence the development of the disorder.
This shows that both explanations suggest a biological basis for the disorder.
Both suggest nature is important in the development of schizophrenia – Gottesman suggests schizophrenia has a strong genetic cause and Frith suggests that schizophrenia cognitive difficulties are linked to genetics, brain structure and biochemical processes.
Offer an individual explanation of schizophrenia. Gottesman suggests that one’s individual genetic make-up causes schizophrenia and not environmental factors. Frith suggests it is the person’s individual faulty mental processing (likely caused by biological factors) that lead to the development of the disorder and not environmental or social factors.
Both explanations are backed up by experiments. Gottesman and Shields did many studies on twins and families to prove the genetic explanation of schizophrenia. Frith did a lab study where schizophrenic participants were unable to identify whether items that had been read aloud were done by a computer, the experimenter or themselves which shows the attention difficulties patients with schizophrenia have.
Differences
Frith also brings in a cognitive explanation of why the symptoms occur which is not done by Gottesman and Shields. Gottesman and Shields focus on the genetic cause of the disorder. Frith adds to this explanation by explaining the symptoms of the disorder due to faulty mental processing.
Genetic explanation is more reductionist than the cognitive explanation. Gottesman and Shields just focus on the genetic cause of the disorder and do not consider other biological processes or cognitive explanations. Frith considers both biological causes and how these could lead to cognitive deficits such as faulty mental processing.
Mark according to the levels of response criteria below:
Level 3 (5–6 marks)
· Candidates will show a clear understanding of the question and will include one similarity and one difference.
· Candidates will provide a good explanation with clear detail.
Level 2 (3–4 marks)
· Candidates will show an understanding of the question and will include one appropriate similarity in detail or one appropriate difference in detail. OR one similarity and one difference in less detail.
· Candidates will provide a good explanation.
Level 1 (1–2 marks)
· Candidates will show a basic understanding of the question and will attempt a similarity and/or difference. This could include both but just as an attempt.
· Candidates will provide a limited explanation.
Level 0 (0 marks)
No response worthy of credit.
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.