Unit Title: Biological Level of Analysis Duration: One Semester

Grade Level: 11
th
Grade Course: IB Psychology HL/SL
Brief Unit Summary: Human beings are biological systems. Our cognitions, emotions and behaviors are products
of our genetics and the anatomy and physiology of our nervous and endocrine systems.
Stage 1: Desired Results
Standards & Outcomes (IB Assessment Objectives in Psychology)
1. Knowledge and comprehension of specified content.
1.1. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of key terms and concepts in psychology
1.2. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of psychological research methods
1.3. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of a range of appropriately identified psychological theories
and research studies

2. Application and analysis
2.1. Demonstrate an ability to use examples of psychological research and psychological concepts to
formulate an argument in response to a specific question

3. Synthesis and evaluation
3.1. Evaluate psychological theories and empirical studies
3.2. Discuss how different levels of analysis can be used to explain behavior
3.3. Evaluate research methods used to investigate behavior

Enduring Understandings (Big Ideas)
Students will understand that
1. Biological processes (nervous and endocrine system
and genetics) influence the way we think, feel and
behave.

2. Psychological research, based on both quantitative
and qualitative methods, is used within the biological
level of analysis to investigate and test findings.
Essential Questions
1. What role do biological factors (nervous and
endocrine system and genetics) play on human
behavior?

2. How do we gather knowledge within the biological
level of analysis?
Knowledge
Students will know that
1. The biological level of analysis is defined by various
principles.
2. Different research methods are used at the
biological level of analysis.
3. Ethics is considered when conducting research
studies at the biological level of analysis.
4. Localization of the functions can be demonstrated
in research.
5. Neurotransmission affects human behavior.
6. Hormones influence human behavior.
7. The environment influences physiological processes.
8. There are interactions between cognition and
physiology in terms of behavior.
9. Brain imaging technologies help in investigating the
relationship between biological factors and behavior.
10. The role of genetic inheritance in behavior
11. Evolution can be used to explain certain behaviors.
12. Research into genetic influences on behavior has
Skills
Students will be able to
1. Demonstrate how principles that define the
biological level of analysis are shown in research.
2. Discuss how and why particular research methods
are used at the biological level of analysis.
3. Discuss ethical considerations related to research
studies at the biological level of analysis.
4. Demonstrate localization of function in the brain.
5. Explain the effects of neurotransmission on human
behavior.
6. Explain the functions of two hormones in human
behavior.
7. Discuss two effects of the environment on
physiological processes.
8. Examine one interaction between cognition and
physiology in terms of behavior.
9. Discuss how brain imaging technologies help in
investigating the relationship between biological
factors and behavior.
specific ethical considerations.

10.Discuss the role of genetic inheritance in behavior
11. Examine one evolutionary explanation of behavior.
12. Discuss the ethical considerations in research into
genetic influences on behavior.

Dispositions
1. Inquirers
2. Knowledgeable
3. Thinkers
4. Communicators
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence
Common Assessment
1. Quiz and Tests: To demonstrate knowledge and
comprehension.
2. Academic Prompt: To evaluate, discuss and
examine concepts, theories and models.
3. Presentations: To describe and explains models or
theories.
Other Assessment
1. Research Homework: To use terms and organize
ideas.
Stage 3: Learning Plan
Key Learning Activities (You can link in Atlas)
1. Label the Nervous System
2. Draw and Label the Brain
3. Label the Neuron
4. Parietal Lobe: How big are you?
5. Hand Illusion Trick
6. Spatial memory in young chimps: Can you do it?
7. Evolutionary Explanation: Who do you consider attractive?
8. Evolutionary Explanation: Is this disgusting?
Key Resources
1. Psychology In Perspective By Carol Tavris
2. Approaches to Psychology By William E. Glassman
3. Psychology: An International Perspective by Michael
W. Eysenck
4. Levels of Analysis in Psychology by Jennie Jaminson
5. Psychology By Paul Whetham
6. IB Psychology Course Companion by International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Additionally we rely on:
1. Videos
2. Various Handouts
3. Articles

Differentiation
1. Using varied resources for different learners.
2. Using multiple means of assessment (HW,
Presentations, Projects, Quizzes, Tests, Drawings.
Parent Communication/Involvements
Canvas and Email