Levels of Analysis Framework in Psychology

This article discusses the levels of analysis framework in psychology, which helps in analyzing human behavior and interaction. It explains the three levels of analysis - biological, psychological, and environmental - and how they contribute to understanding behavior. The article also explores the application of the framework in a university learning experience.

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Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

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Levels of analysis framework:
The level of analysis framework in Psychology helps in analyzing human behavior and
interaction in psychology. The level of analysis was used by the psychologists to develop an
understanding about the underlying factors that determine a specific pattern of behavior.
Psychologists typically explained the operation of the framework at three different levels which
comprised of the biological level, psychological level and the environmental or social level
(Passer, Smith and Norris 2016, P.28). The biological level refers to the genetic factors as well as
the brain functions that influence a behavior. On the other hand, the psychological level refers to
the emotional drive for the particular behavior. The environmental level refers to the experience
acquired on exposure to a particular social or physical environment. In order to develop a better
understanding about the coordinated functioning of the identified levels, research scholars had
used the explanation of mind-body a nature-nurture interactions. Mind-body interactions can be
used to understand the coordinated functioning of the biological and the psychological level. For
instance, scrolling through a food blog might strike pangs of hunger. This example, clearly helps
in understanding the connection between the psychological stimulation of the mind with a
picture of a sumptuous food that subsequently elicits a feeling of being hungry. In addition to
this, the level of analysis psychological framework has also effectively resolved the controversial
question about whether our biological trait or experiences direct our behavioral pattern.
Technically the collective interplay of nature, nurture as well as psychological factors determines
a specific psychological trait. Therefore, it can be summarized that the human behavior is
directed by multiple causative factors that include the biological trait, environment, previous
experiences as well as psychological factors and collectively shape the thoughts and motives
(The Guardian 2019).

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Application of analysis framework with University learning experience:
Based upon my clear understanding of the level of analysis framework, I can correlate
my learning experience as a student at the Western Sydney University. I can vividly recollect the
first day when I had attended the first class in this University. I had a decent academic
background but despite my good grades and curriculum achievements I was unable to familiarize
myself with the Psychology course. The professors spoke in a different accent and I being a
foreign student, I found it difficult to understand the lectures. This led to a feeling of anxiousness
and depression. I started feeling I am not good enough and maybe I should consider enrolling
myself in some other subject and discontinue from the course. My feelings at this point of time
can be correlated with the psychological level. Further, the anxiety and depression that I was
going through disturbed my peace of mind and increased the amount of stress hormones in my
body. This affected my eating habits as well as my sleeping habits and I was continuously
stressed and impatient about my performance and grades. This can be correlated with the
biological level of analysis. On a clear note, not being able to understand what was taught in a
foreign university, where I had no friends led to a number of physiological changes in my body
that hampered my physical wellness. I have been brought up by strict parents who have been
extremely critical about my grades and academic performances throughout. Therefore, while I
was struggling with the learning modules and the activities, I was rebuked by my parents for not
trying hard enough. My native friends had always been supportive however, at that point of time
they were already placed in different universities and told me to try my hands on some other
specialization. On account of the perpetual negative experience with my loved ones and a
strenuous environment, I had become extremely insecure and developed anxiety. This can be

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correlated with the environmental level of analysis. A fine example of the nature-nurture
interaction can also be witnessed in this case. To be more specific, I would like to explain the
interaction as the strenuous environment influence gathered by me was because of the quality of
my interaction level with my family members and friends which made me susceptible to acquire
anxiety.
Finally, I started assessing the modules online and the resource links provided at WSU
learning centre. This motivated me and lifted my sunken spirit. I changed my studying strategy
and started going through the learning materials before attending a lecture. This helped me
follow the content and be clear about the concepts. This can be correlated to the psychological
level of analysis. Upon feeling positive, I was able to feel optimistic which reduced the release of
stress hormone and promoted physical as well as mental wellness. This can be correlated with
the biological level of analysis. Finally, I was able to interact with my friends and family freely
and happily which revived my strained relationship with them. This can be correlated with the
environmental level of analysis.

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References:
Passer, MW, Smith, RE & Norris, K 2016, ‘The science of psychology’, in T Griffin (ed.)
101557: the individual in society, 3rd edn, McGrawHill Australia, North Ryde, Australia,
pp. 5-34.
The Guardian 2019. Don't forget, the science of memory is key to helping students learn.
[online] The Guardian. Available at:
https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/dec/01/dont-forget-science-memory-
key-students-learn [Accessed 4 Apr. 2019].