1. Emotions and behaviours are products of the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system
2. Patterns of behaviour can be inherited
3. Animal research can provide insight into human behaviour
In this short essay, I will give a brief summary of the principles that define the biological level of analysis.
1. Emotions and behaviour as products of anatomy and physiology of nervous system
All observable behaviour, as well as internal mental activity (such as emotions and cognition) can be traced back to physiological events. Links have been found between psychological events and physiological activity in these three main area:
- Neurotransmitters
- Hormones
- Brain localisation
This principles reflects the idea that causes of emotions, behaviour and thought lay within the human body.
2. Patterns of behaviour can be inherited
This principle reflects the line of thought inspired by the work of Charles Darwin. It focuses on two branches of research:
- Evolutionary psychology: which suggests that humans have changed physically and behaviourally according to the demands of the environment they are surrounded by.
- The study of genetics: genes are transmitted from parents to children over time. Physical characteristics and behaviour that are helpful to an individual or group will be passes on.
Therefor, patterns of behaviour are theorised to have been of evolutionary benefit.
3. Animal research can provide us insight into human behaviour
This principles is based oh Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Since the theory of evolutions suggests that we're in fact a type of animal, it is valid to make inferences about human behaviour based on animals research because mechanisms that underlie behaviour are the core similarity we share with animals. Animals like monkeys, apes and rats are closely related to humans, which allow us to generalise our studies on them to