Studying Neurobiology When Studying Psychology & Behavior

Why is it important to study neurobiology when studying psychology & behavior?

There exists a biological boundary and foundation for another branch of psychology termed, biopsychology. Rather than studying thoughts, feelings, or fears, behavioral neuroscientists or biopsychologists study electrical and chemical frameworks in the mind and body. This study has proven certain biological boundaries in that physicians today understand that damage to the brain can create abnormal thinking or behavior (Kowalski & Westen, 2009). This also reflects the needs for pharmacology in that there are individual who have chemical imbalances in their brain chemistry.

The foundation of neurobiology rests in chemical attributes (enzymes, serotonin, etc…) physical structure of the brain such as pathways and neurons, and the mapping of electrical activity throughout the nervous system and brain. It should also be said that neuroscience or neurobiology is increasingly becoming more apparent within the fields of psychology as more advances in brain chemistry are discovered. Much of this advancement has been made possible by technologies such as MRI with clearly show the activity within the brain in conjunction with specific behaviors or illnesses such as schizophrenia (Kowalski & Westen, 2009).

References

Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2009). Psychology (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.