Which statement is false regarding biosocial theory?

Which statement is false regarding biosocial theory?

• A. Biology and social factors interact to shape behavior.
• B. Biological factors can be modified by environment.
• C. Behavior is determined solely by biology.
• D. Environmental context can influence gene expression.

Answer: (C)

Biosocial theory centers on how biology and the social environment continuously shape each other to produce behavior. It doesn’t view biology as a fixed, sole driver; instead, biological factors interact with social experiences, culture, and environment to influence actions, development, and outcomes. For instance, environmental conditions can modify biological processes—stress, nutrition, and social support can alter hormone levels, brain development, and neural functioning. Gene expression itself can be influenced by the environment through epigenetic mechanisms, meaning context can turn genes on or off or modulate their activity. So, behavior isn’t determined solely by biology; it emerges from this ongoing interplay between biological predispositions and environmental influences. The other statements reflect this interplay: biology and social factors interact to shape behavior; biological factors can be modified by the environment; and environmental context can influence gene expression.

Biosocial theory centers on how biology and the social environment continuously shape each other to produce behavior. It doesn’t view biology as a fixed, sole driver; instead, biological factors interact with social experiences, culture, and environment to influence actions, development, and outcomes. For instance, environmental conditions can modify biological processes—stress, nutrition, and social support can alter hormone levels, brain development, and neural functioning. Gene expression itself can be influenced by the environment through epigenetic mechanisms, meaning context can turn genes on or off or modulate their activity. So, behavior isn’t determined solely by biology; it emerges from this ongoing interplay between biological predispositions and environmental influences. The other statements reflect this interplay: biology and social factors interact to shape behavior; biological factors can be modified by the environment; and environmental context can influence gene expression.