Hormones

Question 1

Hormones

Answer 1

chemical messengers that affect behaviour

• these chemicals are secreted by glands in the endocrine system & released directly into the bloodstream
• as a result, they take longer to produce changes in behaviour than neurotransmitters
• hormones also create a more sustained effect on the body & behaviour
• hormones can only produce reactions in certain cells - aka target cells - that have an appropriate receptor site for the hormone
• when the hormone binds to the target cell, it either increases or decreases its function

Question 2

Meany aim

Answer 2

study the role of stress hormones, aka glucocorticoids on memory

Question 3

Meany method

Answer 3

independent samples design - rats randomly allocated to 1 or 2 conditions & true lab experiment

Question 4

Meany IV

Answer 4

Whether the rats were handled or non handled as babies, early experiences change brain and behaviour

Question 5

Meany DV

Answer 5

length of time taken to find platform and distance swam

Question 6

Meany procedure

Answer 6

• Rats are randomly allocated to one of two conditions, being handled or not handled at birth, leading to higher extensive exposure to glucocorticoids in non handled rats
  
  • newborn rats were either handled daily for 3 weeks by researchers
    
    • taken away for 15 minutes into a plastic container with paper towel, groomed by researchers
  • control group were taken away from their mothers but not groomed by researchers
    
    • repeatedly exposed to stressful events
• Rats were placed in a shallow pool of milky water with a platform inside
  
  • rats will try their best to get out of the water e.g. stand on the platform
• How long the rats took to find the platform and the distance they swam before was measured
• Repeated for a number of trials - measuring learning

Question 7

What is cortisol

Answer 7

Cortisol is a steroid hormone known as a glucocorticoid

Question 8

Explain how cortisol works

Answer 8

• secreted by the adrenal glands
  
  • regulates blood sugar levels, metabolism, reduce inflammation, assist w memory formation
    
    • functions play a role in human behaviour of coping w stress bc release of cortisol enables individual to have energy(blood sugar), breathe, reduce anxiety while dealing w a stressful situation
• 3 inter-communicating regions of the body are responsible for the secretion of cortisol
  
  • when a stimulus threatens us, the hypothalamus responds by activating the pituitary gland
    
    • pituitary gland then releases a hormone that activates the adrenal gland which are located on top of the kidneys
      
      • causes both adrenaline & cortisol to be released into the bloodstream
      • is produced in times of stress.