Class 11 Psychology - CBSE
The Bases of Human Behaviour
Chapter 4 of Class 11 Psychology, 'The Bases of Human Behaviour', explores the complex biological and sociocultural foundations that shape how we think, feel, and act. You will study the nervous system, the brain, endocrine glands, and their influence on behavior. The chapter also highlights the crucial role of heredity, genetics, and environmental factors like culture, socialization, and enculturation. Understanding this chapter is essential for board exams as it bridges biological science and social behavior, laying the groundwork for clinical and developmental psychology concepts in Class 12.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Neurons
The basic structural and functional units of the nervous system responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting electrochemical signals.
Central Nervous System (CNS)
Comprises the brain and the spinal cord, acting as the main control center for processing sensory information and responding.
Endocrine System
A network of ductless glands (like pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal) that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions and behavior.
Heredity and Genes
The genetic transmission of physical and psychological characteristics from parents to offspring through DNA contained in chromosomes.
Culture and Socialization
Culture provides a set of beliefs, values, and traditions, while socialization is the process through which an individual learns the norms of their society.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
This chapter typically carries around 6-8 marks in the CBSE Class 11 Psychology theory exam. Common question types include 1-mark objective questions (MCQs/Assertion-Reason), 2-mark short answers (e.g., functions of neurotransmitters or endocrine glands), and 4-6 mark long answers focusing on the structure of the brain or the role of heredity vs. environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful emergency action (fight or flight), whereas the parasympathetic nervous system restores and conserves energy, bringing the body back to a normal resting state.
How do twin studies help us understand the role of heredity?
Twin studies compare identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) with fraternal twins (who share about 50%) to see how much genetic factors influence traits, intelligence, and behavior compared to environmental factors.
Are enculturation and socialization the same thing?
No. Socialization is the general process of learning the rules and behavior of society, while enculturation specifically refers to learning and adopting the specific values, traditions, and practices of one's own culture.
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