Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Question 1

Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Aim

Answer 1

To compare success in memory tasks and structural differences in the brain longitudinally between individuals who pass “the knowledge”, those who study for it but fail and a control group.

Question 2

Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Procedure

Answer 2

• All participants were male and had same level of education
  
  • Group 1: Participants who passed
  • Group 2: Participants who failed
  • Group 3: Control group (participants who didn’t study)
• Tested on two occasions with a series of memory/ intelligence tests and structural scans (MRIs)
  
  • Sessions took about 2.5 hours each
  • No significant differences in results at intake between the groups (Time 1)

Question 3

Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Findings

Answer 3

• 3-4 years after original tests
  
  • Posterior hippocampus of Group 1 had more gray matter than group 2 and 3
  • No differences were found in any other parts of the brian
  • Groups 1 and 2 performed better than group 3 on the London Landmark test
• Group 3 performed better than Group 1 and 2 on complex figure task with a 30-minute delay (tests visual memory)
• Supports previous research that posterior hippocampus is involved in spatial navigation
• Suggests that gain in one area of functioning in brain may come at the expense of another function and genetics may play role in development of hippocampi

Question 4

Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Strengths

Answer 4

• Data triangulation: supports previously completed cross-sectional studies
• Longitudinal study: Shows changes occurring over time in the brain

Question 5

Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Limitations

Answer 5

• Sampling bias: only male participants
• Cultural considerations

Question 6

Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Ethical Considerations

Answer 6

• use of consent (MRI scan - enclosed place)

Question 7

Woollett and Maguire Study (bio)

Research Method

Answer 7

Quasi-experiment