Final answer:
The explosion in physiological research in the 1960s was driven by significant scientific advancements in biochemistry, psychology, and broader acceptance of new ideas in science.
Step-by-step explanation:
An explosion in physiological research occurred in the 1960s because of significant scientific advancements across various fields, including biology, chemistry, and psychology. A major area of expansion was in the study of the chemistry of living processes, leading to an explosion of information in the field of biochemistry. Discoveries in photosynthesis in plants, characterization of enzymes as biochemical catalysts, and elucidation of biomolecule structures like insulin and DNA all contributed to the growth of the field. The development of nuclear chemistry and the influence of the uncertainty principle even on social sciences such as sociology and anthropology emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of physiological research during this time.
In psychology, the 1960s brought shifts in perspectives as the field began to include women in research and acknowledge gender influence in psychological studies, further expanding the scope of physiological research. Overall, this period was marked by a shift from traditional, sometimes authoritarian approaches to science to one where even outlandish ideas were considered, provided they contributed to the growing body of knowledge.