Learning outcomes
General learning outcomes
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Outline principles that define the biological level of analysis (for example, patterns of
behavior can be inherited; animal research may inform our understanding of human
behavior; cognitions, emotions and behaviors are products of the anatomy and
physiology of our nervous and endocrine systems)
Explain how principles that define the biological level of analysis may be demonstrated
in research (that is, theories and/or studies).
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of
analysis (//for example, experiments, observations, correlational studies)//
Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the biological level of
analysis.
Physiology and behavior
Check out this great site on neuroscience and cognitive processes
and this one: brain topics, brain games, everything about the brain
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Explain one study related to localization of function in the brain (for example, Wernicke,
Broca, Gazzaniga and Sperry).
Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human
behavior (for example, the effect of noradrenaline on depression).
Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behavior.
Discuss two effects of the environment on physiological processes (for example, effects
of jet lag on bodily rhythms, effects of deprivation on neuroplasticity, effects of
environmental stressors on reproductive mechanisms).
Examine one interaction between cognition and physiology in terms of behavior (for
example, agnosia, anosognosia, prosapagnosia, amnesia). Evaluate two relevant studies.
Discuss the use of brain imaging technologies (for example, CAT, PET, fMRI) in
investigating the relationship between biological factors and behavior.
Genetics and behavior
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With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic
inheritance influence behavior?
Examine one evolutionary explanation of behavior.
Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behavior.
Practice questions
(Crane and Hadad, pages 381 - 387)
SAQs
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Outline one principle that defines the biological level of analysis. Choose one method and
describe how this topic has been investigated (methodology) [8 marks]
Outline one principle on which the biological level of analysis is based. Choose one study that
demonstrates how that assumption supports a biological explanation of human behavior. [8
marks]
a) Explain how the biological perspective is reductionist [4marks]; b) Use one empirical study to
illustrate your point. [4marks]
a) Explain how physiological processes may influence psychological behavior or visa versa in
one topic of your own choice [4 marks]; b) Choose ONE study and describe how this topic has
been investigated. [4marks]
(a) Describe one theoretical explanation of behavioral change in humans based on the
biological
perspective. [4 marks] (b) Explain the one strength and one limitation of the explanation of
behavior described in part (a). [4 marks]
Outline one study related to localization of function of the brain
Outline one study that illustrates the effects of neurotransmission on human behavior.
Essays
Question 1
(a) Describe assumptions on which key concepts from the biological perspective are based. [10
marks]
(b) Evaluate the assumptions described in part (a). [10 marks]
Question 2
Describe one interaction between cognition and physiology on behavior.
Evaluate this explanation with reference to one other level of analysis.