An analytical explanation that may include subcomponents and their relation to one another, For example, describing the act and processes of memory in consecutive  order.

Structural Description

A functional description of behavior includes results and mechanisms of a specific behavior. For example, explaining how the process of memory aids in learning.

Functional Description

The first step in studying behavior is describing what we want to study. A description may reflect end goals, explanations of specific processes, functions, etc. Using both structural and functional descriptions will provide a more focused description. 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

New York University

- Description
- Evolution
- Development
- Mechanisms
- Applications

Five Viewpoints of the Biology of Behavior

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Description

This perspective allows us to see how the brain and behavior have evolved. Researchers can focus both on the continuity of behavior and the species specific differences in behavior.

Evolution

The development perspective involves studying the behavioral changes of an organism throughout its life span. The process gives insight into key functions, mechanisms, and common maturation processes in an organism.

Development

Analyzing the mechanisms of an organism allows the researcher to understand the underlying biological processes of behavior. This is essential to understanding how an organism's body is constructed to behave in a particular way. 

Mechanisms

The final perspective of the biology of behavior involves relating the knowledge acquired from the previous perspectives to the human condition. For example, studying a particular behavior, its evolution, development, and mechanisms can be used to understand disorders and diseases, propel research, influence treatment plans, and much more. 

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