4 LEVELS OF EXPLANATION

Biological

Basic Processes

Focus: The physical processes underlying behaviour What is happening to the

body
Involves:
Brain structure & function
Sensory receptors & the motor system
Neurotransmitters
Hormones & Genetics
Physiological features:
Changes in heart rate, breathing rate, blood
pressure
Appetite, energy levels, sleep, fatigue etc.
Pupil dilation, perspiration
Example: Automatic arousal - Fight or flight

Focus: The psychological processes that are

common to most people
Involves:
Memory
Learning (classical conditioning, operant
conditioning, observational learning)
Cognition (thinking)
Emotion
Example: An unrealistic fear of open spaces might be
better understood through considering;
The original event - memory
What kind of learning may have taken place
What thoughts are taking place - cognition

Person

Socio-cultural

Focus: The influence of individual differences on behaviour

Involves:
Age, class, education
Gender
Intelligence
Personality trait/types
preferences
Example: How comfortable an individual feels in the mosh
pit at a rock concert may differ depending on;
music preference
age
personality introvert/extrovert (MBTI)

Focus: The influence of other people on behaviour

The social context
Involves:
Culture/Religion/Ethnicity
Broader Community/Societal expectations
Socio-economic influences
Friends/Peer groups
Stereo-types
Example: A males desire to cry in public may be
influenced by;
Cultural norms in relation to the situation
The opinion and presence of peers
How he believes other perceive his tears

4 Levels of Explanation Example