Divisions of Biopsychology

The field of biopsychology is divided into various concentrations; physiological psychology, psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, comparative psychology, and psychophysiology. Although all of these are applicable, psychophysiology is best equipped to examine the overall science.

First, physiological psychology refers to the method of using controlled experiments to directly manipulate the brain in effort to examine the neural mechanisms of behavior (Pinel, 2011). This explains the process and conjunction between how the subject psychically behaves and the brain’s operations.

- Advantages: - It is a thorough scientific methodology.

- It has a plethora of practical applications and effective treatment

Disadvantages: - It is too simplistic and inadequate to conclusively explain complex emotions, thoughts, and behaviors (Revision World, 2004).

Second, psychopharmacology takes into consideration the affects drugs have on neural activity and behavior (Pinel, 2011). It examines how drugs influence and manipulate an individual’s brain and conduct.

- Advantages: - Illustrates the benefit of medication.

- Treats disorders which therapy is rendered ineffective / inappropriate.

Disadvantages: - Side effects may be hazardous.

- May be ineffective in the long term.

Third, neuropsychology enables practitioners to focus on the ways in which brain damage affects the human psyche (Pinel, 2011).

- Advantages: - Enhances self-awareness.

- Identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Disadvantages: - Environmental factors, mood, attitude, fatigue, pain, medication, or language barriers may impede test or study interpretation (Foran, Goodinson, & Associates, 2009).

The fourth division of biopsychology is cognitive neuroscience. This method considers the mechanisms of the nervous system in relation to human cognition or intellectual processes (Pinel, 2011).

- Advantages: - Through the use of brain imaging techniques, exceptionally detailed illustration of brain injury and information concerning acute and even temporary, pathological modifications in brain function may be linked to variance in behavior (Fellows, Stark, Berg, & Chatterjee, 2008).

- Disadvantages: - Relies heavily on human examination rather than animal testing, thus omitting penetration or direct brain manipulation (Pinel, 2011).