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Biological LOA

Learning outcomes

General learning outcomes
  • Outline principles that define the biological level of analysis (for example, patterns of behaviour can be inherited; animal research may inform our understanding of human behaviour; cognitions, emotions and behaviours 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 behaviour
  • 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 behaviour (for example, the effect of noradrenaline on depression).
  • Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behaviour.
  • 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 behaviour (for example, agnosia, anosognosia, prosopagnosia, 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 behaviour.
Genetics and behaviour
  • With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic inheritance influence behaviour?
  • Examine one evolutionary explanation of behaviour.
  • Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour.