Which model emphasizes environmental and social factors over biology?

• A. Medical model
• B. Social model
• C. Recovery model
• D. Biopsychosocial model

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how disability and illness are explained by different frameworks. The social model argues that environmental and social factors—such as accessible design, inclusive policies, community attitudes, and support networks—shape what a person can do, often more than biology. It treats disability as created by barriers in society rather than as a problem solely inside the individual, so the focus is on removing those barriers and making environments more inclusive. In contrast, the medical model centers on biological or physiological causes and treatment; the biopsychosocial model includes biology, psychology, and social factors but does not prioritize environmental context over biology; and the recovery model emphasizes personal empowerment and living a meaningful life beyond symptom management. Therefore, the model that emphasizes environmental and social factors over biology is the social model.