Bennett
IB Psychology
Biological Level of Analysis
Possible Essay Questions
Outline principles that define the biological level of analysis.
1. Behavior can be innate because it is genetically based. If this principle is accepted it is logical to
believe that evolution may play a key role in behavior. Behavior is based on genetics and we
adapt through evolution in order to survive.
2. Animal research can provide insight into human behavior; as a result, a significant amount of
research is undertaken using animals. Animals are like humans. Ethically cannot test humans
the way that is needed.
3. There are biological correlates of behavior. The implication of this is that it should be possible to
fins a link between a specific biological factor (e.g. a hormone) and a specific behavior, and this
is the aim of researchers working at the biological level of analysis. Test levels of hormones and
neurotransmitters and determine behavior. Use modern technology, MRI, PET to test living
brain.
Explain how principles that define the biological level of analysis may be demonstrated in
research (through theories and/or studies)
1. Behavior can be innate because it is genetically based. If this principle is accepted it is logical to
believe that evolution may play a key role in behavior. Evolution Theory of natural selection
and evolutionary psychology (8)
2. Animal research can provide insight into human behavior; as a result, a significant amount of
research is undertaken using animals. Hetherington & Ranson & James Olds (4)
3. There are biological correlates of behavior. The implication of this is that it should be possible to
fins a link between a specific biological factor (e.g. a hormone) and a specific behavior, and this
is the aim of researchers working at the biological level of analysis. Hormone and behavior –
Rosenthal (6), Neurotransmitters (7), Kasamatsu & Hirari (2)
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of analysis.
Case studies: only way they had to study patients who had brain damage. Ethically they could
not cause a person brain damage. Relied on past injuries of people.
Used post-mortem studies to determine the exact area of the brain that was damaged to
determine behavior.
New technology – MRI, PET, CT, EEG – see living brain and areas that are affected instantly.
Observe reactions of people.
Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the biological level of analysis.
Use case studies to research. Unethical to cause damage to participant. Broca & Wernicke
studies of TAN and other patient results. (3)
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Bennett
IB Psychology
Robert Heath – B-19 case study – cause stress and anxiety to patient (4)
Use animals in studies instead of humans. James Olds & Hetherington (4)
Examine one study related to localization of function of the brain.
Broca (3)
Wernicke (3)
Heath(4)
Olds (4)
Explain, using examples, functions of two hormones on human behavior.
Hormones on page 6
Adrenaline
Cortisol
Melatonin – Rosenthal (6)
Oxytocin
Testosterone – Dabbs (9)
Discuss two effects of the environment in physiological processes.
Brain Plasiticity (4)
Dendrite Branching (5)
Mozart Effect (5)
Mirror Neuron (5)
Examine one interaction between cognition and physiology on behavior.
Richard Davidson(2004)Printing study –have it for you tomorrow.
Studies below on page 9
Cornish and Clark (1987)
Bennett and Wright (1984)
Yochelson and Samenow (1976)
Discuss the use of brain-imaging technologies in investigation the relationship between
biological factors and behavior.
PET, MRI, CT, EEG – person performs activity and with the technology can see the brain’s
reaction to the behavior. Study a living brain, no speculation.
Fiske (2007) Photo of homeless activated insula part of brain.
Discuss the extent to which genetic inheritance influences behavior with reference to relevant
research studies.
1970 Minnesota Twin Studies (7) Intelligence
1984 Mednick and Hutching (8) criminal behavior
1983 Rowe(8)
1999 Blair et. Al (9)
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Bennett
IB Psychology
Examine one evolutionary explanation of behavior.
Genes mutate. Advantageous ones are passed through natural selection.
Fessler (2006) showed women pictures of things that varied in disgust, and monitored their
nausea. Morning sickness in women is an inherited trait. Most illnesses are food-borne, and
during the first trimester the woman’s immune system is weak. Morning sickness made
women picky about foods, caused nausea to compensate for susceptibility for a disease.
Women’s disgust/nausea was a form of protection. As pregnancy goes on the fetus is more
stable and the immune system of the woman is stronger.
Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behavior.
In order to study genetics, you must study the private life and family history.
Genetic material handling, people worry it will get into wrong hands and things will be done
with their genetic tissue that is unethical.
Receiving genetic information can change a person’s life
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Prevent someone from getting a job or insurance
Stress – if it is revealed they are not the biological father of a child they have
raised.
Find out you have genetic disorder – depression, start to think death right
around the corner.
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