The structures of human biological systems and their functions influence our behavior and mental processes. Some psychologists study behaviors and mental processes from a biological perspective. This includes an examination of the influence that the interaction between human biology and our environment has on behavior and mental processes. This is a recurring topic throughout the course that will be used to explain many psychological phenomena. The biological perspective also provides insight into the causes of and treatments for psychological disorders. There is a complex interaction between a person’s biology and their behavior and mental processes. Heredity and environment play a role, as do variations in a person’s consciousness.

Essential questions

How can biology influence our behavior and mental processes?
What happens when a particular neurotransmitter is absent from the body?
How do biological and environmental factors interact to influence our behaviors and mental processes?

Unit Goals & Learning Targets

2.1 Interaction of Heredity and Environment

2.A Discuss psychology’s abiding interest in how heredity, environment, and evolution work together to shape behavior.
2.B Identify key research contributions of scientists in the area of heredity and environment.
2.C Predict how traits and behavior can be selected for their adaptive value.

2.2 The Endocrine System

2.D Discuss the effect of the endocrine system on behavior.

2.3 Overview of the Nervous System and the Neuron

2.E Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions.
2.F Identify basic processes and systems in the biological bases of behavior, including parts of the neuron.

2.4 Neural Firing

2.G Identify basic process of transmission of a signal between neurons.

2.5 Influence of Drugs on Neural Firing

2.H Discuss the influence of drugs on neurotransmitters.

2.6 The Brain

2.I Describe the nervous system and its subdivisions and functions in the brain.
2.J Identify the contributions of key researchers to the study of the brain.

2.7 Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function

2.K Recount historic and contemporary research strategies and technologies that support research.
2.L Identify the contributions of key researchers to the development of tools for examining the brain.

2.8 The Adaptable Brain

2.M Discuss the role of neuroplasticity in traumatic brain injury.
2.N Identify the contributions of key researchers to the study of neuroplasticity

Key Figures

Paul Broca

Research on Broca’s Area, involved with language

Charles Darwin

Scientist who developed theories about evolution & natural selection, father of evolutionary theory

Michael Gazzaniga & Roger Sperry

Leading researcher on split brain patients and major founder of cognitive neuroscience

Carl Wernicke

Research on Wernicke Area, disorders interfering with the ability to communicate in speech of writing

Phineas Gage

Famous case study in neuroscience, suffered a traumatic brain injury with an iron rod destroying most of his left frontal lobe

Myers' textbook modules

09. Biological Psychology and Neurotransmission (76-85).pdf

9. Biological Psychology and Neurotransmission (76-85)

10. The Nervous and Endocrine Systems (86-93).pdf

10. The Nervous and Endocrine Systems (86-93)

11. Studying the Brain, and Older Brain Structures (94).pdf

11. Studying the Brain, and Older Brain Structures (94)

12. The Cerebral Cortex (104).pdf

12. The Cerebral Cortex (104)

13. Brain Hemisphere Organization and the Biology of Consciousness (114).pdf

13. Brain Hemisphere Organization and the Biology of Consciousness (114)

14. Behavior Genetics: Predicting Individual Differences (123).pdf

14. Behavior Genetics: Predicting Individual Differences (123)

Slide deck

Biological Bases of Behavior Slide Deck

Unit 3 - Biological Bases of Behavior (Student Version)

Practice Resources

Quizlet Practice

Quizizz Practice

quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5bdf25ff27b824001bab64c2

Video Resources

Episode 3: The Chemical Mind

The Neuron

Episode 4: Know Your Brain

Basics of the CNS (2:15)Basics of the Brain (5:03)Ancestral Structures of the Brain (5:37)Limbic System (7:31)New Structures of the Brain (8:32)

How to learn major parts of the brain quickly

Learn how the brain works in 5 minutes using only your hands.

♥ A Neuroscience Love Song ♥

This song explores a few of the changes that have been observed in our brains and bodies when we are in love - but it is important to remember that no individual chemical or brain region is solely responsible for our emotions. Our minds are incredibly complicated, and neurotransmitters like dopamine play a host of different roles. There’s so much more to learn.

[TED Talk] What is so special about the human brain? | Suzana Herculano-Houzel

The human brain is puzzling -- it is curiously large given the size of our bodies, uses a tremendous amount of energy for its weight and has a bizarrely dense cerebral cortex. But: why? Neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel puts on her detective's cap and leads us through this mystery. By making "brain soup," she arrives at a startling conclusion.

[TED Talk] Enhancing the plasticity of the brain: Max Cynader

Split brain behavioral experiments

To reduce the severity of his seizures, Joe had the bridge between his left and right cerebral hemisphere (the corpus callosum) severed. As a result, his left and right brains no longer communicate through that pathway.