MCAT PSBB Section — Dr. Donnelly

PSBB — Section #3

PSBB: The Human Element
of Medicine

The Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PSBB) isn’t just a vocabulary test — it’s a test of how well you understand the human element of medicine. Dr. Donnelly’s Behavioral Science Buster trains you to apply theory under pressure.

59Questions

95Minutes

25%Of Total Score

#3Section

PSBB Section Breakdown

Three Disciplines. One Section.

Success requires a multidisciplinary approach. The section is weighted as follows — understanding each discipline’s share is your first step to a strategic study plan.

65%

65%Intro Psychology

Introductory Psychology

The heaviest-weighted discipline. Covers behaviour, cognition, emotion, personality, psychological disorders, motivation, and treatment — tested through a conceptual application lens.

Highest WeightFC 6–10

30%

30%Intro Sociology

Introductory Sociology

Focuses on how social structures, institutions, and cultural forces shape health, behaviour, and identity at both individual and group levels. Strong overlap with FC 9 and FC 10.

FC 9 & 10Social Theory

5%Intro Biology

Introductory Biology

A small but critical slice covering the biological underpinnings of behaviour — particularly the nervous and endocrine systems and their influence on psychological states.

FC 6 FocusNeural & Endocrine

Question Structure & Format

59 Questions.
95-Minute Window.

Expect to see 59 multiple-choice questions delivered in a 95-minute window. The section divides into two types — know both intimately before exam day.

10 Passage-Based SetsEach passage presents a research study or hypothesis. You will answer 4–6 questions per set that require you to interpret data and link results back to broader theories.

15 Discrete QuestionsStandalone questions that test your direct knowledge of the material without a supporting text — perfect for picking up quick points when your foundations are strong.

Timing & Pro Tips

Dr. MCAT Pro-Tips:
Beating the Clock

Many students find the 95-minute limit to be the biggest hurdle. Stay ahead of the curve with these expert MCAT strategies.

Speed ReadingAim for under 3 minutes per passage. Focus on the “why” and “how” rather than memorising every term.

Big Picture FocusDon’t get bogged down in jargon. Focus on the relationships between psychological concepts and how they apply to each question stem.

Master the DataAttack graphs and tables first. Most questions confirm if results support the original hypothesis — identify that link quickly.

Think Like a SociologistIdentify how social structures and individual behaviours intersect — the “secret sauce” for high-yield questions in FC 9 and FC 10.

MCAT® Behavioral Sciences: Core Competencies

Master the 5 Foundational Concepts

The Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section is anchored by five primary Foundational Concepts. Mastery requires the ability to synthesise biological mechanisms with complex sociological structures.

FC 6

Foundational Concept 6: Paradigm of Perception and CognitionExplore the intersection of biological, psychological, and sociocultural variables in shaping human cognition and environmental interaction.

6A — Sensory ProcessingMechanisms of physical stimulation and environmental input.

6B — Perceptual InterpretationCognitive frameworks for organising and understanding stimuli.

6C — Behavioral ReactivityPsychological and physiological responses to the external world.

FC 7

Foundational Concept 7: Determinants of Behavior & ModificationAnalyse the internal and external forces that drive human action and the mechanisms behind successful behaviour change.

7A — Psychological DriversInternal influences and individual personality traits.

7B — Sociological DriversCollective social processes and environmental pressures.

7C — Attitudinal DynamicsThe science of persuasion and sustained behaviour change.

FC 8

Foundational Concept 8: Social Cognition & Interpersonal DynamicsExamine the psychological and biological underpinnings of self-concept and the complexities of social navigation.

8A — Constructing Self-IdentityThe development of self perception and self-worth.

8B — Social AttributionCognitive processes involved in evaluating others.

8C — Interpersonal InteractionThe mechanics of social exchange and group behaviour.

FC 9

Foundational Concept 9: Sociocultural Impacts on Population HealthInvestigate how macro-level social structures and cultural diversity dictate individual and community well-being.

9A — Macro-SociologyAnalysis of social structures and institutional frameworks.

9B — DemographyThe impact of population characteristics and migration pressures on health.

FC 10

Foundational Concept 10: Social Stratification and Health EquityEvaluate how systemic inequality and disparate access to resources drive health outcomes and social mobility.

10A — Systems of InequalityAnalysing the impact of social class, power, and privilege on resource distribution.

Intro Psychology — 65%

Intro Sociology — 30%

Intro Biology — 5%

10 Passages

15 Discrete Questions

🧠 Behavioral Sciences Expert

Why Choose
Dr. Stuart Donnelly?

Over two decades, Dr. Donnelly has developed proprietary strategies to help students navigate the complex, passage-based structure of the Behavioral Sciences section. Master the core concepts of Psychology and Sociology without the bluff.

Expert Guidance from a Top-Tier Educator

Recognised as one of the country’s most experienced MCAT educators, Dr. Donnelly brings elite academic credentials to your prep:

Ph.D. from Oxford University

20+ Years of specialised MCAT tutoring experience

Author of several acclaimed prep books

Recognised Excellence: Frequently cited by leading educators as one of the most qualified MCAT tutors in the country

★★★★★500+ students mentored • Ph.D. Oxford University

Contact Dr. Donnelly Today!

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PSBB Section #325% of total score

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PSBB: The Human Elementof Medicine