Question

Explain how cultural diversity and advances in technology might differently affect a biopsychologist and a sociocultural psychologist.

Answer 1

Biopsychologists:
Since biopsychologists focus on genetic and biological implications in psychosocial behavior, technology would, of course, help them:
1. Gene mapping technology helps biopsychologists locate genetic predispositions for psychosocial disorders. For instance, bipolar disorder now supposedly has genetic predispositions, and biopsychologists with the help of bioengineers have been able to map the specific variant genes or the abnormal synthesis of genes in these patients.
2. Non-invasive procedures such as PET, MRI, EEG, and fMRI have given more room for biopsychologists to see anatomical and physiological changes in psychosocial conditions. It has also led us out from invasive techniques, such as brain lesions, which were once required.
3. Biopsychologists with the help of technology have been able to expand in psychopharmacology, in using chemical triggers to create changes in psychosocial behaviors.

Sociocultural psychologists:
Since sociocultural psychologists focus on the societal and cultural landscape, and how they impact psychosocial behavior, understanding cultural diversity is best for them:
1. Societal norms differ everywhere, and sociocultural psychologists can reason them for psychosocial behavior, such as facial expressions, emotional characteristics, habits, etc.