Question

What are the three levels-of-analysis that are employed in psychological research according to the textbook? Imagine we are interested in stuttering (kekelemek) behavior. How can we apply the levels-of-analysis approach to the study of stuttering? That is, how can stuttering be examined at the three levels of interest? Please provide concrete examples in the form of informed speculations.

Answer 1

The levels of analysis are:

1. Biological

2. Cognitive

3. Sociocultural

The biological level analysis considers and focuses on all the biological factors that shall influence an activity, behavior. In the present case it is stuttering.

The cognitive level of analysis considers and focuses on the mental processes such as memory, through processing, perception, etc., and the other thinking processes of brain and relate the same to an activity or behavior.

The sociocultural level of analysis considers and focuses on the factors such as environment, people interaction, etc., affect behavior.

Considering the problem presented – The Stuttering

Biological level

Stuttering tend to run in families. It can result from genetic abnormalities. Hence, the genetic level analysis can be performed.

It can also be checked, if there are any other family members suffering from the same.

The individuals can be screened for a general examination for stuttering to identify any abnormalities in the organs that support speaking and speech.

Example: When an individual with stuttering problem has parents or grandparents with stuttering, a genetic level testing can be conducted to identify if there is a hereditary link. Generally, if there are any direct blood relations with stuttering, chances are high for the individual to have the same.

Cognitive

Stuttering could also result due to a mental trauma or maniac episode. Such factors can be identified by conducting examinations under situations that trigger various moods of the individuals. Through this process, certain mood and its level can help the individuals to come out of the stuttering habit.

Example: Episodes like having met an accident or having witnessed a severe accident shall create a shock in brain such that each time similar events reoccur individuals tend to develop stuttering as a sign of nervousness.

Sociocultural

Specific locations and presence of certain people shall also give rise to stuttering. Fear of crowd, fear of high profile people, fear in communicating to specific gender, etc., fluently are some of the factors that are associated with the stuttering.

Individuals can be exposed to different environmental conditions and different people to identify the severity of the stuttering and identify if it is biological or cognitive in nature.

Example: This is most common with students and with professional in office. The students and professionals tend to have a fear or respect towards their higher authorities. Due to this they tend to stutter during a normal or any serious communication. The same can also repeat when the individuals are to address a huge gathering or a group of important high profile people.