Questions in Biopsychology

Biopsychology is defined as “the study of the physiological, evolutionary, and developmental mechanisms of behavior and experience” (Kalat, 2012, p. 3). Biopsychology is also characterized as a “point of view,”—namely, that human beings “think and act as we do because of certain brain mechanisms, which we evolved because ancient animals with these mechanisms survived and reproduced better than animals with other mechanisms” (Kalat, 2012, p. 3). Thus, the field of biopsychology studies and seeks to better understand human brain function and its impact on human behavior. The evolutionary roots of this relationship between brain function and behavior form the foundation of this analysis. By understanding the neurological forces that impact human behavior, biopsychology research helps to identify ways to improve lives by modifying or helping to control harmful, destructive, painful, or otherwise undesirable behaviors.

Potential Questions for the Biopsychologist

One problem a biopsychologist might investigate is addiction. Indeed, addiction has been a common research topic within the biopsychology field, as it affects a variety of people in myriad ways. Addiction research can help identify new ways addicts can overcome or manage their addictions, allowing them to live happier, more stable, and more productive lives. In the context of addiction, alcohol and drug addiction is a topic of interest because of the prevalence of alcohol addiction and abuse in our society. It is a particularly important topic of study because it is so often swept under the rug, ignored, or treated as harmless, despite its serious personal, professional, health, and safety consequences—both for addicts and those around them.

Biopsychologists can help those who struggle with alcoholism by examining the way alcohol impacts chemicals in the human brain (Kalat, 2012). In this way, new treatment options can be identified, and existing strategies can be refined. One particular research question might be the extent to which certain inherited traits are predictive of alcoholism in individuals. There is much anecdotal evidence that alcoholism is “inherited,” or “runs in families,” but the body of research attempting to identify predictive genes for alcoholism remains underdeveloped.

Another problem a biopsychologist might study is anxiety. Anxiety is related to brain function, as much of what a person experiences as anxiety is actually a physical manifestation of the presence or absence of certain brain chemicals, or changes in the levels of these chemicals (Kalat, 2012). Anxiety, like alcohol addiction, is something that many people in our society struggle with—often silently. Though anxiety’s evolutionary roots in the “fight or flight” response are well-understood, anxiety remains difficult to treat. This is particularly so in a modern society where people are sedentary and their basic needs are met, thus, the primal urge to confront a situation violently or flee quickly is rarely indulged (Kalat, 2012).

One interesting research question related to anxiety might be to examine why this condition is so much more common in the United States than in other countries. Indeed, various studies have reached this conclusion, but the specific link between elements of an American lifestyle and heightened anxiety could be better understood. Such an understanding would help treat the millions of Americans who suffer from anxiety.

Research Methods

At the outset, a researcher must identify a research question, then narrow that question so that it can be answered with the resources available, and determine what type of study to conduct to try to answer it. (Gravetter & Forzano, 2009). To examine, for example, genetic factors predictive of alcohol addiction, a survey method may be appropriate, as research has been done on this topic, and there is a general consensus that genetic factors are at play. A biopsychologist could amalgamate all the studies examining the relationship between genetics and alcoholism, amass the data, and identify trends that emerge across the studies. This could also prove helpful for identifying areas where experimental research is needed, paving the way for future work.

A biopsychologist might study the increased prevalence of anxiety in the United States versus other countries by conducting an experiment utilizing the eight-step scientific method, as outlined by Gravetter & Forzano, 2009. Such an experiment would identify differences in environmental variables between two countries, and focus on the relationship between anxiety and the chosen variable between the two nations. This would help identify environmental and lifestyle factors that can be modified in Americans suffering from anxiety, to help treat and control this condition - potentially with the use of dialectical behavior therapy.

Personal Interest

If I were a biopsychologist, I would be interested in studying people who drink an unhealthy amount of alcohol. I find this interesting because it seems that some people have an alcohol addiction, whereas others overuse alcohol as an obsessive behavior. I am interested in the rate of alcohol abuse among those with a biological predisposition to engage in obsessive behaviors, and how this compares to alcohol abuse among those with alcohol addiction. Further, I would want to study the extent—if any—to which those who overindulge in alcohol are predisposed to both alcohol addiction and obsessive behaviors.

This topic interests me because of the extent of alcohol abuse, addiction, and over-use in our society. I find it fascinating, from a biopsychological perspective, that the human brain has not adapted to be more tolerant of alcohol or to crave it less. Given the widespread overuse and abuse of alcohol in our society, I also believe that research in this area would have the potential to have a meaningful impact upon the lives of a large number of people, and would be welcomed by the medical community.

References

Gravetter, F. J., & Forzano, L. (2009). Research methods for the behavioral sciences (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Kalat, J. W. (2012). Biological Psychology (11 ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth.