Summary (IB PSYCH HL) Biological Level of Analysis - Study Guide
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Course
IB Diploma
Institution
IB Diploma
Brief study guides outlining the key concepts and theories for IB PSYCH BLOA.
Some studies that can be referred to for possible exam questions are listed. Possible exam questions that students can use to prepare for are also listed with the relevant subjects.
BIOLOGICAL LEVEL OF ANALYSIS (BLOA)
Our behavior can stem from our physiology (physical make-up: brain, body, genes).
Our brain structure affects
1 behavior (localization of
function, neuroplasticity).
The neurotransmitters in our Serotonin
2
brain affects behavior Dopamine
We can study the relation Brain imaging techniques (neuro-imaging techniques)
between our brain and Case studies
3
behavior using various Experiments
research methods
Hormones released into our Oxytocin
4 body can (indirectly) influence Testosterone
behavior Cortisol
Speculative research on
5
pheromones
Genetic predisposition to behavior
Our genetics can strongly Twin, family studies for heritability of behavior
6
influence our behavior Nature vs. nurture debate
Behavioral epigenetics
Evolutionary explanations for
7
behavior
Animal research can help us
8
understand BLOA
, IB PSYCHOLOGY – BLOA – APRIL 2022
1. BRAIN STRUCTURE
CORTEX
(Def) Biggest part of our brain, outer layer of our brain, responsible for higher functions
(compared to just breathing, heart rate, etc)
4 lobes (parts) Frontal Reasoning, thinking, decision-making
(PFC: Meyer-Lindenberg et al)
Occipital Visual processing
Temporal Auditory info, memory, speech
Parietal Movement, perception
Divided into left and right hemispheres
(Functions can be split across the 2 hemispheres = lateralization (like localization but
hemispheres)
Hippocampus Learning, memory, spatial orientation Maguire
Amygdala Memory, emotion, fear Meyer-Lindenberg et al
Hypothalamus Emotion, hunger, thirst
LOCALIZATION OF FUNCTION
(Def) Behavior originates from a “specific” brain region
There is ‘strict’ localization of function (behavior that’s strictly originating from very specific brain
areas)
vs. ‘distributed’ localization of function (behavior that’s originating from all brain areas
coordinating together)
Maguire / SM case study / Bechara et al / Grafman et al
Paul Broca / Wernicke / Karl Lashley / Gazzaniga
➔ (ERQ) Evaluate research on localization of function with regard to human
behaviour.
NEUROPLASTICITY
(Def) The ability of the brain to change throughout the course of life
Change occurs through genetic + environmental factors (ex. Injury, learning)
Maguire / Draganski (2004) / Luby et al.
Merzenich et al / Draganski (2006)
➔ (SAQ) Explain one study of neuroplasticity linked to human behaviour.
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