The Bases of Human Behaviour

The Bases of Human Behaviour, from Class 11 Psychology, Psychology, and the NCERT curriculum, explains the biological and cultural foundations of human behaviour. The chapter begins with the evolutionary perspective, showing how human beings evolved through natural selection and developed unique characteristics such as a larger brain, upright posture, and advanced cognitive abilities. It highlights the interaction between inherited biological structures and environmental demands in shaping behaviour.
 

The chapter provides a detailed study of the biological basis of behaviour, including neurons, nerve impulses, synapses, neurotransmitters, and the organisation of the nervous system. Students learn about the Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, brain structures such as the cerebrum, cerebellum, hypothalamus, thalamus, and limbic system, along with their behavioural functions. The role of the endocrine system and major glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas, and gonads is also discussed. Additionally, the chapter explains heredity, genes, chromosomes, DNA, genotype, phenotype, and mutation as important determinants of human behaviour and development.
 

The chapter further explores the socio-cultural basis of behaviour by introducing concepts such as culture, cultural transmission, enculturation, socialisation, and acculturation. It explains how human behaviour is shaped not only by biological inheritance but also by cultural practices, values, beliefs, institutions, and social interactions. Students develop an understanding of the dynamic relationship between biology and culture, gaining insights into how human behaviour emerges through the combined influence of genetic, neural, hormonal, environmental, and cultural factors.