Biological Level Of Analysis (BLOA)

Explain how one principle of the biological level of analysis may be demonstrated in one empirical study or theory

Biological Level of Analysis (BLOA) deals with biological adaptations at a biological level. BLOA states that cognitions, emotions and behaviours have a physiological basis to all of them. There are 3 main principles that revolve and outline the BLOA. Foremost, Behaviour is innate, as it is genetically based, so it rational to conclude that behaviour is genetically influenced by evolution. Secondly, Animal research may inform our understanding of human behaviour, as to why a lot of research is done on animals. Lastly, Cognitions, emotions and behaviours are products of than anatomy and physiology of our nervous and endocrine systems. This essay will discuss how research has provided evidence to support the principle that animal research may inform our understanding of human behaviour.

The principles are the main ideas that define BLOA, allow psychologists to research on specific areas related to behaviour and physiology. BLOA assumes behaviour is a resultant of biological factors, that animal research behaviour may inform our understanding of human behaviour. Although, Biological factors are not the only factor causing behaviour traits. Environmental and other factors that are not at the BLOA can cause behavioural differences. There is a nature versus nurture debate on whether genetics or environment contributes to human behaviour. Psychologists take both into account. Researchers break complex human physiology and behaviour into small components to study

Rats are commonly used as research as they contain similar anatomy to humans to study physiological and psychological behaviour due to evolution. Physiologicall...

... middle of paper ...

...in damage was pervasive and included the hippocampus, the amydala and other areas close to the hippocampus. The hippocampus is concluded that it is the area in the brain that is there to store long-term memory. The study was long term, and in depth so it was reliable and also cannot be reproduced in a lab again. This experiment though, can never be replicated due to moral codes of psychology. The information provided can be used future studies in the hippocampal area and help psychologists understand the function of the brain more. Also, brain-scanning technologies are used at the BLOA so it can relate parts of the brain to emotions, and how it functions. It provides an insight to human behaviour.

Research methods are therefore used to collect and analyse information. Psychologists have used these 5 research methods for collecting and analysing data at the BLOA.