3. Holzel et al. (2011) - Biological Approach - done?

Question 1

Aim of Holzel et al (2)

Answer 1

Use the MBSR course to compare grey matter concentration in specific brain areas and the whole brain before and after the course (pre and post-stages)

*MBSR- Meditation-Based Stress Reduction

Question 2

Psychology being investigated in Holzel et al. (2)

Answer 2

Mindfulness- State achieved through meditation that aims to increase awareness of the present-moment experience.

Localization of function- Particular brain areas are responsible for different activities.

Question 3

Research Method & Experimental Design of Holzel et al. (3)

Answer 3

Laboratory Experiment with longitudinal design

Independent Measures Design

Question 4

IV of Holzel et al

Answer 4

Exposure to an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention, the MBSR course

Question 5

DV of Holzel et al

Answer 5

Change in the grey matter assessed using MRI scans and Response on questionnaires to measure five mindfulness scales (before and after intervention)

Question 6

Sample of Holzel et al (experimental & control, type of sampling? - their conditions) (10)

Answer 6

Experimental:
16
- 6 males
- 10 females
mean age 38
(2 males withdrew – due to discomfort after the first MRI)
Control:
17
- 7 males
- 10 females
mean age 39
Opportunity sampling

Participants for this study were recruited from individuals already enrolled in 4 MBSR courses at the University of Massachusetts

All participants were physically and psychologically healthy
All participants were not on any medication
All participants had limited experience with meditation classes
They all had the same educational level
Incentive of discounted MBRS course fee was given to all

Question 7

What 2 things did the participants do before the procedure and why? - (3) Holzel

Answer 7

Both groups did the FFMQ (5-point scale 39 questions questionnaire) – filled out before and after the MBSR course (for the experimental group) –> the questions to quantify the participant’s mindfulness before and after the course.

They also got MRI scans 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the MBSR course for experimental groups. For control groups they did around 66 days between them. To watch hippocampus and change in grey matter density.

Question 8

Procedure of Holzel et al (2)

Answer 8

did MBSR - body scans, mindful yoga, sitting meditation - 2 and a half hour a week for 8 weeks - day session on 6th week

45 min homework (daily homework)

Question 9

Results of Holzel (3)

Answer 9

MBSR group’s mindfullness score went up

No change in grey matter concentration in the hippocampus

Homework did nothing

Question 10

Conclusion of Holzel

Answer 10

changed grey matter concentration means that they learned something?

Question 11

Strengths of Holzel (4)

Answer 11

+longitudinal study
+control group
+quantitative data (the scans) (the tests)
+ MRI (is not ecologically valid) – MRI wont want demand characteristics - they cant change the grey matter concentrations

Question 12

Weakness of Holzel (3)

Answer 12

-MRI not ecologically valid
-MRI - still unknown
-lack of correlation