Biological psychology (also known as biopsychology) is a subfield of psychology focused on understanding how physiological processes, the nervous system, and genetics influence behavior and mental processes (e.g., studying the biological bases of behavior).

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Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology, is a subfield of psychology that examines the influence of biological processes on behavior. It typically focuses on the immediate causes of behavior rooted in the physiology of an organism, with a primary emphasis on the nervous system's structure and function. This field is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from researchers with backgrounds in biology, medicine, physiology, and chemistry, and is considered a key component within the broader field of neuroscience.

Biopsychology (Biological Psychology)

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

The study of the neural mechanisms of behavior through direct manipulation of the brains of nonhuman animal subjects in controlled experiments.

Physiological Psychology

The study of the effects of drugs on the brain and behavior.

Psychopharmacology 

The study of the relation between physiological activity and psychological processes in human subjects by noninvasive methods.

Psychophysiology

The study of the evolution, genetics, and adaptiveness of behavior, often by using the comparative approach.

Comparative Psychology 

The study of the physiological basis for cognition.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Psycho-oncology is the study of physical/biological and social aspects of life with cancer. Its goal is to improve quality of life and to treat emotional and physical symptoms related to cancer treatment and lifestyle.  

Psycho-oncology 

Biopsychology involves the study of:
* Human Genetics
* Cells of the Nervous System
* Parts of the Nervous System
* The Brain and Spinal Cord
* The Endocrine System

Areas of Biopsychological Study

As per the biopsychosocial model, the biology, psychology, and social elements of a person interact, which influences that person's health.

Biopsychosocial Model

Biopsychological research is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, frequently combining the research strategies of both psychologists and physiologists. This integrated approach is employed to investigate the relationship between the nervous system and behavior.

Interdisciplinary Research in Biopsychology

Biopsychology and evolutionary psychology differ in their primary focus. Biopsychology typically investigates the immediate, physiological causes of behavior within an organism. In contrast, evolutionary psychology seeks to understand the ultimate biological causes of behavior, examining how behaviors have evolved as adaptations over time.

Comparison between Biopsychology and Evolutionary Psychology

A researcher is investigating why a person's heart rate increases and their palms sweat when they encounter a sudden, frightening stimulus. Which of the following research questions best represents a biopsychological approach to understanding this reaction?

Biological psychologists investigate a wide array of topics to understand the link between biology and behavior. Key areas of study include sensory and motor systems, sleep patterns, the effects of drug use and abuse, ingestive behaviors like eating and drinking, and reproductive behaviors. Research also extends to neurodevelopment, the plasticity of the nervous system, and the biological underpinnings of psychological disorders.

Domains of Biopsychological Research

An example of a topic studied in biological psychology is how cellular changes in the hippocampus—a brain structure critical for learning and memory—relate to memory formation. A researcher investigating these structural and biological mechanisms to understand how memories are created would most likely identify as a biological psychologist.

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