Psychobiology, also known as behavioral neuroscience, studies the relationship between the brain and behavior in humans and animals. Scientists use equipment such as EEG to measure brain waves and study the effects of physical factors on behavior, including criminal activity and mental illness. Animal studies are also used to understand the human brain.
Psychobiology is the study of the brain, human or animal behavior and the relationship between the two. Also called behavioral neuroscience, psychobiology applies the facts and principles of biology to mental, emotional, and behavioral processes in humans or animals. Those who study this topic try to find out what kinds of behavior are caused by biological processes.
The term psychobiology may have first been used officially in the 20th century; biology and psychology studies as separate fields have been around for much longer. Scientists may have studied it for centuries, however, without giving it a formal name. For example, Avicenna (20-980), a physician and philosopher, is credited with having sought a relationship between some diseases, psychology and biology. He stated that a high moisture content, referred to as dampness, inside a person’s head could cause mental conditions to develop. Over the years, scientists have continued to look for ways to explain behavior with physical causes.
To study psychobiology, scientists use special equipment that helps them learn more about the brain. For example, psychobiologists may use electroencephalography (EEG) equipment to measure a person’s brain waves. By attaching specially designed electrodes to a person’s scalp, a scientist can record a person’s brain waves and determine how they affect things like behavior and health.
Some scientists have studied the relationship between brain waves and criminal activity and have concluded that those who are prone to criminal acts may have slower brain waves than others. Such studies may expose why some criminals are able to cheat lie detector tests or show whether head injuries may contribute to a person’s likelihood of engaging in criminal acts. Some researchers even speculate that vitamin deficiencies may play a role in criminal behavior.
Psychobiologists may also study how biology can contribute to or even cause certain mental illnesses. For example, a person’s genes can influence whether they are likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia. Other mental conditions can be affected by factors such as hormonal fluctuations and even differences in brain structure. Researchers can use brain scans to learn more about depression and bipolar disorder, for example.
Studies in psychobiology often involve the use of animals for research. Animal subjects may be more readily available for certain studies than humans, and studying animal brains can provide scientists with important clues about how the human brain might work. Animal studies can be particularly important, for example, in studying the effects of drugs on mental processes, behavior and certain conditions. They may also prove useful for studying the effects alcohol and illicit drug use can have on the brain.
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