Perspectives in psychology provide a guide on what questions to ask and how to ask them about
certain phenomena. Similarly, biological psychologists might be expected to formulate and ask
questions about phenomena such as depression at the genetic inheritance level or structure of
synapses or in terms of neurotransmitters. A social psychologist with interest in clinical matters
would formulate theories in terms of a depressed person’s recent life events, social networks,
relationships and general support. Both perspectives could yield useful information at different
levels of analysis (Toates, 2002). Consequently, the two perspectives could be viewed as
complementary rather than conflicting in terms of possible treatments. For example, antidepressants
could be used in conjunction with psychological counselling.
Jan suffered from depression. From a biological perspective, it could have been post natal
common in most women soon after child birth. With more information about her life history and
family it might be possible to find that the depression was genetically inherited. The depression
Jan suffered from might have developed from the stress due to financial difficulties caused by in