This document outlines the biological level of analysis in psychology. It defines three main principles: 1) Reductionism, which is the idea that complex behaviors can be explained by biological functions. 2) Animal research, where studying animal behavior can provide insights into human behavior. 3) Genetics, meaning that human behavior is genetically influenced to some degree. The document provides learning outcomes around outlining and explaining these principles of the biological approach in psychology.

1. Biological Level of Analysis
Warm-Up
 Two twins are separated at birth but
discover each other at the mall 20 years
later. It turns out that they both are skilled
at soccer, hate bananas, are studying to
become nurses, and have a fear of
lightning. How can you explain this?

2. The Principles of
Biological LoA

3. Today’s Objective
Content Objective
 I can identify the
three main
principles that
define the
Biological LoA
Language Objective
 I can define
Reductionism

4. I.B. Learning Outcomes
 B1- Outline principles that define the
biological level of analysis
 B2- Explain how principles that define the
biological level of analysis may be
demonstrated in research

5. Principle 1:
Reductionism
 Complex behaviors can be explained
based on biological functions.

6. Principle 2:
Animal Research
 The behavior of animals help teach us
about Human Behavior.

7. Principle 3: Genetics
 Human behavior is, to some extent,
genetically based.

8. Head and the Heart Q’s
 1. Which one of the newly formed people
is her Loyal Husband and which is her
Handsome Lover? How do you know?
 2. What will be different for these men?
What will be the same?
 3. How does this relate to the Biological
LoA? Psychology in general?