Biological Measures: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Biological measures are defined as measurements of human behavior, physiology, and biochemistry that can be used to assess various aspects of health and well-being. This paper provides an overview of the various biological measures that are available and the research that has been conducted on their utility. Furthermore, the paper discusses the various advantages and drawbacks of using biological measures to assess health and well-being, as well as the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when using these measures.
Introduction
Biological measures are defined as measurements of human behavior, physiology, and biochemistry that can be used to assess various aspects of health and well-being (Brown, 2016). These measures are typically used in research settings to assess the effects of interventions or exposures on health outcomes, although they can also be used in clinical contexts (Roth & Edwards, 2000). Biological measures are often used in conjunction with other measures, such as self-report or psychological measures, to provide a more complete understanding of a person’s overall health and well-being (Roth & Edwards, 2000).
Biological Measures
Biological measures can be divided into two broad categories: physiological and biochemical measures. Physiological measures include measures of physical activity, heart rate, body temperature, and respiration rate (Brown, 2016). Biochemical measures include measures of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other biochemical substances in the body (Roth & Edwards, 2000). These measures are typically obtained through blood, urine, or saliva samples (Brown, 2016).
Advantages and Disadvantages
The primary advantage of using biological measures is that they provide more objective measures of health and well-being than self-report measures (Roth & Edwards, 2000). Additionally, these measures are often more sensitive to subtle changes in health that may not be detected through self-report (Roth & Edwards, 2000). However, there are also disadvantages to using biological measures. For example, they can be expensive and time-consuming to obtain, and they often require specialized equipment and personnel (Roth & Edwards, 2000).
Ethical Considerations
When using biological measures, there are several ethical considerations that must be taken into account. These include the need for informed consent, the protection of privacy and confidentiality, and the potential for harm (Roth & Edwards, 2000). Additionally, researchers must ensure that their use of biological measures is not unduly coercive or intrusive (Roth & Edwards, 2000).
Conclusion
Biological measures are useful tools for assessing health and well-being. They provide more objective measures than self-report measures, and they can be used in conjunction with other measures to provide a more complete understanding of a person’s health. However, there are also disadvantages to using biological measures, and ethical considerations must be taken into account when using these measures.
References
Brown, D. (2016). Biological measures. In G. G. Berntson (Ed.), Encyclopedia of behavioral medicine (pp. 143-147). New York, NY: Springer.
Roth, D. L., & Edwards, J. (2000). Biological measures in the assessment of health and well-being. In M. E. Maruish (Ed.), The use of psychological testing for treatment planning and outcomes assessment (3rd ed., pp. 583-614). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.