RM- the brain and behavior Flashcards
HM case study strengths and weaknesses
Case study
In depth investigation of an individual or a group
They often involve lots of other methods, such as observations and interviews
Are focused on a small group of individuals or a single individual
Are often very in depth and detailed
The indv/ group that is being studied is unique in some way. The purpose of the case tudy is to gain a deeper understanding of the indv/ group
When studying the brain and behavior, we often have to look at individuals with brain damage or mental illness. As these people make up a small sample of the population, case studies are appropriate
In the case of studying the brain and behavior, we may have to study people with mental illnesses or brain damage. This is because the result of their brains being different in some way, this may change their behavior.
Case studies are good for investigating phenomena that couldnt be studied otherwise
If we use a case study, we can observe the changes in their behavior in detail, and so gain a better understanding of what parts of their brain caused this change, leading to a better understanding of how our brains affect behavior
STRENGTH:
Very in depth and detailed
Allow us to gain a better understanding of what makes a certain indv unique.
In the case of HM, it is because there was such an in depth case study of him, that we were able to find out new things about how memory works in the brain.
This study showed how the hippocmapus is important in memory processing and particualry in the storage of new memories.
It seems that the hippocampus and the areas around it play an important role in converting memories of expereinces from short term memory to long term memroy
. HM could retain memories of what happened before the srugery that led to his amnesia. Thsi indicates that the hippocampus is a temporary rather than premanent store
Hm learnt a few new procedural memories- suggests memories not stored via hippocampus
HM (and other ppl w amnesia) had deficits in one part of the memory system but not in others- suggests brain has several memory systems and that these are supported by distinct brain regions
Study suggests memory process more complex than we thought. Even tho hippocampus is mportant in storage of new memories, its not the only structure involved
Consent was given by HM’s mother, then later by his caretakers
But there was still a concern about HM being taken advantage of his right to withdraw as well, as he either couldnt understand what was happening or he forgot
LIMITATIONS:
As it is a very in depth and detailed study, findings are not generalisable to toehr people
Findings about the role of the different parts of the brain may not necessarily be true for other individuals, as the sample size was only on HM
If we were to investigate the brain and how it affects behavior, a larger sample size would be needed
BUT no cause and effect bc u cant induce it
HM, didnt carefully decide which part to damage, and so cant be sure what parts of brain affected memory. Didnt carefully control the IV, and so you cant be sure it affected the DV (his memory)
