Biological Approach
Essential Understandings
1. Our brain and neurochemistry - including neurotransmitters, hormones and pheromones - play a role in
human behaviour
2. As brain imaging technology has improved, so has our ability to investigate the biological origins of
human behaviour
3. Our physiology is a dynamic system that may change through interaction with the environment
4. Behaviour can be genetically inherited
5. Animal models may inform our understanding of human behaviour
Overview
Topic Constructs Behaviour Supporting evidence
The brain & behaviour Brain imaging techniques Spatial memory Maguire et al. (2000)
Localisation Romantic love Fisher et al. (2005)
Neuroplasticity
Neurotransmitters
Hormones & behaviour Hormones: oxytocin Prosocial behaviour Kosfeld et al. (2005)
Pheromones: MHC genes Mating behaviour Wedekind (1995)
Genetics & behaviour Twin, adoption studies Depression Caspi et al. (2003)
Evolutionary explanations Intelligence Bouchard & McGue (1981)
Key
> optional research studies
highlight key terms – must know their definitions
Compiled by @oatsnwaffles
Essential Understandings
1. Our brain and neurochemistry - including neurotransmitters, hormones and pheromones - play a role in
human behaviour
2. As brain imaging technology has improved, so has our ability to investigate the biological origins of
human behaviour
3. Our physiology is a dynamic system that may change through interaction with the environment
4. Behaviour can be genetically inherited
5. Animal models may inform our understanding of human behaviour
Overview
Topic Constructs Behaviour Supporting evidence
The brain & behaviour Brain imaging techniques Spatial memory Maguire et al. (2000)
Localisation Romantic love Fisher et al. (2005)
Neuroplasticity
Neurotransmitters
Hormones & behaviour Hormones: oxytocin Prosocial behaviour Kosfeld et al. (2005)
Pheromones: MHC genes Mating behaviour Wedekind (1995)
Genetics & behaviour Twin, adoption studies Depression Caspi et al. (2003)
Evolutionary explanations Intelligence Bouchard & McGue (1981)
Key
> optional research studies
highlight key terms – must know their definitions
Compiled by @oatsnwaffles
