Biological Psychology
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is biological psychology the same as neuroscience?
Do genes determine behavior completely?
How does brain imaging help psychologists?
Why is biological psychology important for mental health?
KEY TERMS
Brain Structure and Function
The brain’s physical structure underpins nearly every mental process. Biological psychologists study:
The cerebral cortex for memory, reasoning, and language
The amygdala for fear and emotions
The hippocampus for learning and spatial memory
The basal ganglia for movement and habit formation
Brain injuries or diseases like Alzheimer’s offer insights into how specific regions contribute to behavior (Kolb & Whishaw, 2015).
Neurotransmitters and Behavior
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow neurons to communicate. Imbalances are linked to:
Depression (serotonin, norepinephrine)
Anxiety disorders (GABA, serotonin)
Schizophrenia (dopamine)
Parkinson’s disease (dopamine depletion)
Medications often target these chemical systems to restore balance and improve mental health outcomes.
Genetics and Behavior
Genes influence many psychological traits, including:
Personality dimensions
Intelligence
Susceptibility to mental illness
Twin and adoption studies (Plomin et al., 2016) show significant heritability for traits like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.