Biological Psychology
Biological psychology is synonymous with the terms
- behavioral neuroscience
- biopsychology
- psychobiology.
All four terms refer to the same field of scientific study that uses biological principles to better understand the field of psychology. This field studies:
Scientists look at the biological factors that influence normal and abnormal behavior in both humans and animals. Paper Masters can aide you in composing a custom research paper on Biological psychology.
Biological Psychology and Testing
Scientists use animals as their test models. These animals usually include mice, rates, monkeys, and other primates. These tests allow scientists to better understand biological psychology and relate the results to human psychology. One significant characteristic of a biological psychology experiment is that it involves either an independent or dependent variable that is biological. The organism involved in the experiment will either temporarily or permanently have its nervous system altered.
Biological psychologists study different general themes. These themes are studied and tested on animals and then related back to human models. Some of these themes include sensation and perception, emotion, sleep rhythms, learning and memory, control of movement, hunger, thirst, and sexual behaviors. New studies are beginning to look at language, decision-making, and consciousness.
Studies in biological psychology have also helped researchers understand a variety of psychologically classified medical disorders. For instance important information has been learned about Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, depression, Alzheimer's Disease, Schizophrenia, Autism, and anxiety. Studies have also provided information about drug abuse and alcoholism.