Master the MCAT® Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PSBB)

MCAT® Behavioral Sciences Overview

PSBB: The Human Element of Medicine

Getting ready to tackle the "Psych" section? At DrMCAT.com, we know that 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

As the third section of your MCAT®, PSBB accounts for 25% of your total score. It focuses on the core concepts future physicians need to serve diverse populations and navigate the behavioral impacts on health outcomes.

PSBB Subject Breakdown

Success requires a multidisciplinary approach. The section is weighted as follows

  • Introductory Psychology: 65%
  • Introductory Sociology: 30%
  • Introductory Biology: 5%

Question Structure & Format

Expect to see 59 multiple-choice questions delivered in a 95-minute window. The section is divided into two types of questions:

10 Passage-Based Sets

Each passage typically 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 Questions

Standalone questions that test your direct knowledge of the material without a supporting text—perfect for picking up quick points.

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 our expert [MCAT strategies](https://drmcat.com):

  • ✓ Speed Reading: Aim for under 3 minutes per passage. Focus on the "why" and "how" rather than memorizing every term.
  • ✓ Big Picture Focus: Don't get bogged down in jargon. Focus on the relationships between psychological concepts.
  • ✓ Master the Data: Attack graphs and tables first. Most questions confirm if results support the original hypothesis.
  • ✓ Think Like a Sociologist: Identify how social structures and individual behaviors intersect—this is the "secret sauce" for high-yield questions.

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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 fluff.

Expert Guidance from a Top-Tier Educator

Recognized 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 specialized MCAT tutoring experience
  • Author of several acclaimed test prep books
  • Recognized Excellence: Frequently cited by leading educators as one of the most qualified MCAT tutors in the country.

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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 of these areas requires more than rote memorization; students must demonstrate the ability to synthesize biological mechanisms with complex sociological structures.

Foundational Concept 6: Paradigm of Perception and Cognition

Explore the intersection of biological, psychological, and sociocultural variables in shaping human cognition and environmental interaction.

6A: Sensory Processing

Mechanisms of physical sensation and environmental input.

6B: Perceptual Interpretation

Cognitive frameworks for organizing and understanding stimuli.

6C: Behavioral Reactivity

Psychological and physiological responses to the external world.

Foundational Concept 7: Determinants of Behavior & Modification

Analyze the internal and external forces that drive human action and the mechanisms behind successful behavior change.

7A: Psychological Drivers

Internal influences and individual personality traits.

7B: Sociological Drivers

Collective social processes and environmental pressures.

7C: Attitudinal Dynamics

The science of persuasion and sustained behavior change.

Foundational Concept 8: Social Cognition & Interpersonal Dynamics

Examine the psychological and biological underpinnings of self-concept and the complexities of social navigation.

8A: Constructing Self-Identity

The development of self-perception and self-worth.

8B: Social Attribution

Cognitive processes involved in evaluating others.

8C: Interpersonal Interaction

The mechanics of social exchange and group behavior.

Foundational Concept 9: Sociocultural Impacts on Population Health

Investigate how macro-level social structures and cultural diversity dictate individual and community well-being.

9A: Macro-Sociology:

Analysis of social structures and institutional frameworks.

9B: Demography:

The impact of population characteristics and migration processes on health.

Foundational Concept 10: Social Stratification and Health Equity

Evaluate how systemic inequality and disparate access to resources drive health outcomes and social stability..

10A: Systems of Inequality:

Analyzing the impact of social class, power, and privilege on resource distribution.