Biological level of analysis Flashcards
(13 cards)
Outline principles that define the biological level of analysis
- Behaviour can be innate because it is genetically based.
- Animal research can provide insight into human behaviour.
- Biological correlates of behaviour. (Possible to find a link between a specific biological factor (e.g. hormone) and a specific behavior)
Explain how principles that define the biological level of analysis may be demonstrated in research
Principle: Animal research can provide insight into human behaviour.
Study: Rosenzweig et. al. (1972)
- To see if experience causes brain growth.
- Rats tested in different environments
- Rats in enriched environment = Cerebral cortex thicker and heavier.
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of analysis
- Case study: HM case study: Milner & Scoville
- Had severe epilepsy, Had surgery to remove most of hippocampus (LTM)
+ Unique, insight into areas that would be difficult to study - Ungeneralisable, unrepeatable.
- Experimental study: Speisman et al. (1964)
- Appraisal can influence arousal. College students watched film on circumsition with different soundtracks.
+ Can be repeated, Controlled enviornment - Low ecological validity, May break ethics, Low genralising potential.
Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the biological level of analysis.
- Informed consent, Right to withdraw, Deception, Debriefing, Protection of participants. BPS & APA
- Coen (2006) Hand holding while receiving electric shocks
- Informed consent (Justifiable), Ecological validity, ‘‘Test run’’ before actual experiment.
Examine one study related to localization of function of the brain
- The theory that different parts of the brain are responsible for different parts of human processes such as behaviours.
- Study: Hanman et al (2005) - Sex differences in the amygdala. 14 women, 14 men. Arousal picture, neutral picture, fMRI. More in men, than in women.
Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human behaviour.
- Neurotransmitter - a substance in the body that carries a signal from one nerve cell to another
- Oxcytosin - released by the pituitary gland and is stimulated by the hippothalamus.
Oxytosin plays a role in (humans) milk production, giving birth and orgasms.
Study: Baumgarter et al (2008) - Oxytocin. 49 Male participants, trust game performed in a fMRI. Two grops.
Placebo - Decreased rate of trust after trust being violated.
Oxytosin - Continued at similar rates wheter or not their trust had been violated.
Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behaviour
Hormones: Chemical messengers that transfers information to cells to coordinate functions of different part of the body
- Oxcytosin - released by the pituitary gland and is stimulated by the hippothalamus.
Oxytosin plays a role in (humans) milk production, giving birth and orgasms.
Study: Baumgarter et al (2008) - Oxytocin. 49 Male participants, trust game performed in a fMRI. Two grops.
Placebo - Decreased rate of trust after trust being violated.
Oxytosin - Continued at similar rates wheter or not their trust had been violated.
Adrenaline: A hormone released from the adrenal glands and its major action, together with noradrenaline, is to prepare the body for fight or flight.
Study: Schachter et al. (1962)
Apprailsal. College students watched a ‘‘slapstick’’, Adrenaline group found the film funnier than the other groups did.
Discuss two effects of the environment on physiological processes
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Examine one interaction between cognition and physiology in terms of behaviour. Evaluate two relevant studies
Mårtensson et al. (2012)
If Language trainning would lead to changes in cordical thickness and hippocampal volumes.
Discuss the use of brain imaging technologies in investigating the relationship between biological factors and behaviour
MRI : Non invasive brain technology that gives three dimensional pictures of the brain.
Maguire (2000)
The effect of spatial navigation on the hippocampus. London taxi drivers.
With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic inheritance influence behaviour?
- Twin studies
Bouchard (1990) Compared monozygotic twins that had lived apart and twins that had lived together. Genes had bigger effect than environment.
Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour
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Examine one evolutionary explanation of behaviour
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