Biological Flashcards
What is Correlational Research?
The extent to which 2 variables are associated that shows a trend or systematic pattern
What does Correlational Research Show in Biological Psychology?
Links between biological variables - e.g. hormone levels + human behaviours (aggression)
What are Co-variables in Correlational Research?
2 variables in a Correlational study that have been measured
What is a Major Issue in Correlational Research?
When we use correlation, we cannot Inter cause + effect
What is a Positive Correlation in Correlational Research?
- Where high values on 1 variable are associated w/ high values on the other variable
- Where low values on 1 variable are associated w/ low values on the other variable
What is a Negative Correlation in Correlational Research?
Where high values on 1 variable are associated w/ low values on the other variable
What is an Example of Positive Correlation in Correlational Research?
Long periods of time spent reading associated w/ high levels of tiredness
What is an Example of Negative Correlation in Correlational Research?
High levels of self esteem associated w/ low levels of depression
What are Scatter Diagrams in Correlational Research?
Visual representation of (a graph of) a correlational relationship between 2 variables
What is the Strength of the Correlation in Correlational Research Shown by?
By the straightness of the line of dots
What is the Direction of the Correlation in Correlational Research Shown by?
By the slope of the line of dots
What does a Correlation Coefficient in Correlational Research Shown by Tell you about a set of Data?
Tells you the strength of correlation + direction (+ve or -ve)
What is a Correlation Coefficient in Correlational Research Shown by?
Any number between -1 and +1
What are the Numbers of a Weak Correlation Coefficient in Correlational Research?
0.0 - 0.3
What are the Numbers of a Moderate Correlation Coefficient in Correlational Research?
0.3-0.7
What are the Numbers of a Strong Correlation Coefficient in Correlational Research?
Above 0.7
How does Correlational Research support Psychology as a Science?
- Key feature of science is that it uses well controlled, objective, data collection methods to test hypotheses
- Correlational studies can’t control all the relevant variables but data is always quantitative + some control is possible
What are the Strength of Correlations in Correlational Research?
- They allow identification of relationships between variables
- If relationship between 2 variables is indicated - then this is a starting point for stimulating future research
- It requires quantitative data which makes the easy to analyse + isn’t open to interpretation
What are the Weaknesses of Correlations in Correlational Research?
- Some people misuse correlational research - making huge claims that sound convincing but are wrong
- It’s difficult to make accurate conclusions about the causes of the relationship
- Little control over variables so doesn’t allow cause + effect links to be established
- Limits how scientific correlational research is
What does P_< 0.05 mean in Correlational Research?
The probability of the results occurring due to chance is less than or equal to 5% (0.05)
What is the Aim of the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
Investigate, using a correlational method, whether testosterone levels can be linked to aggression levels
What is the Concept behind the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
Explored ways to see if there was a relationship between testosterone levels + aggression levels shown by Reigate College students
What is an Example of Previous Research behind the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Mazur (1983) has shown that teenage males testosterone increases
- Also, there’s a strong positive correlation w/ aggression + inter-male fighting
What are the 2 Variables in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Testosterone levels
* Aggression levels
How do you Operationalise the Variable of Testosterone Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- 2D (index finger)4D (ring finger) ratio
* Averaged across both hands measured in mm
What indicates a Lower Ratio in Testosterone Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
Higher testosterone
How do you Operationalise the Variable of Aggression Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Each participant will have an aggression rating
* Buss Perry Aggression questionnaire
What is an Strength of the Measurement of the Variable of Testosterone Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Quantitative data produced giving each participant an average score across both hands for the testosterone levels
- Provides an objective numerical measurement of testosterone
What is an Strength of the Measurement of the Variable of Aggression Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Easy to replicate using a standardised procedure
* Leads to higher reliability which increases the scientific credibility of the measure of aggression
What is a Weakness of the Measurement of the Variable of Testosterone Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
•The 2D/4D Ratio is a measure of testosterone levels a person was exposed to in the womb rather than a measure of current testosterone levels •It lowers internal validity as we are trying to link testosterone to current aggression levels
What is a Weakness of the Measurement of the Variable of Aggression Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Aggression score is from a self-report questionnaire
* Aggression score may represent socially desirable answer of people who may not wish to appear aggressive
What is the Alternate Hypothesis (Ha) in the Practical Report in Correlational Research and Operationalise it?
There will be a significant positive correlation between testosterone levels operationalised by 2D:4D ratio + aggression levels operationalised by Buss Perry aggression questionnaire
What is the Null Hypothesis (Ho) in the Practical Report in Correlational Research and Operationalise it?
Any correlation between testosterone levels operationalised by 2D:4D ratio + aggression levels operationalised by Buss Perry aggression questionnaire will be due to chance
What was the Sampling Technique used and Why in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Opportunity sample
* As, easy + quick + convenient to do
What was the Sample used in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- 12 boys + 7 girls
- Psychology students
- All aged 16-17 years
- All from Reigate College
What is a Weakness of the Sample used in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Low in generalisability
- Made up of students between ages of 16-17
- Only generalisable to young people so results not as accurate
What is a Strength of the Sample used in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Opportunity sample
- We are working on a tight deadline w/ only 4 lessons to complete our correlational practice
- So, allowed us to collect data in an efficient manner
What are the Ethical Risks in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Mostly ethical
- But, confidentially is a problem as Ps might not want people to know their aggression levels
- And, protection of Ps is a problem as they might feel they have to do the study even though they don’t want to
What Materials were used for Measuring Testosterone Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Rular (mm) to measure
- Paper to récord data
- Your hand
- Calculator to calculate the ratio
What Materials were used for Measuring Aggression Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Phone to do questionnaire on
- Internet
- Paper to record the data
What was the Procedure for Measuring Testosterone Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Using rular to measure index finger from crease nearest to palm, in mm
- Repeat step 1 for ring finger
- Using calculator, divide length of index finger by length of ring finger
- Repeat steps for left hand + record data
What was the Procedure for Measuring Aggression Levels in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Go on phone to do Buss Perry questionnaire
- Answers set of questions w/ a set rating scale
- Receive your physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, hostility + total aggression
- Record your data
What did the Scatter Diagram tell you about your Data in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
There’s no relationship between testosterone levels + aggression levels as it was a weak negative
What did the Scatter Diagram tell you with reference to your Hypothesis in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
We will reject our alternate hypothesis + accept the null hypothesis
What are you Testing For in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- For a correlation between 2 variables
* Testosterone levels + aggression levels
What Level of a Measurement is the Data in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Ordinal data
- Measured testosterone using 2D/4D ratio in mm
- Measured aggression using Buss Perry questionnaire using 5 point rating scale
Was the Data Related or Unrelated in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Related data
* As it was in pairs - measures of aggression + testosterone for each participant
What Test was Used for Inferential Statistics in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
Spearman’s Correlation (rho)
What was the Statement of Significance in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- The calculated value of 0.242 was less than the critical value of 0.327
- When N=17 at p<0.05 level of significance for a one tailed test
- So results weren’t significant so null hypothesis was accepted
- Which stated that no correlation between testosterone + aggression levels, measured by 2D:4D ration + questionnaire
Which Level of Significance was used in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
0.05 or 5%
Was the test of significance One-Tailed or Two-tailed in the Practical Report in Correlational Research and Why?
- One tailed
* As, there was a positive correlation between 2 variables
How many Participants were used in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
17
What was the Calculated Value used in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
0.242
What was the Critical Value used in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
0.327
What Future Research could be Conducted based on the Findings in the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Research into how environment affects aggression levels •Research social factors that affect aggression - road rage
- Compare aggression and testosterone levels between criminals + non-criminals
What are 2 Improvements for the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Use more representative sample - wider age range
- With 2D:4D ratio measurements you can standardise further - same person measured everyone finger from same area so more accurate
What are 2 Strengths of the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Ethically good study
- E.g. Ps gave consent + knew aim of study so no deception + had right to withdraw, etc
- High in reliability due to standardised procedures
- E.g. Buss Perry questionnaire done in silence so no demand characteristics + at same time - 2D:4D ratio done at same time
What are 2 Weaknesses of the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- Not accurate - validity is low
- E.g. Ps might calculate something wrong - measure 2D:4D ratio differently to others
- Doesn’t provide cause + effect links - reductionist approach
- E.g. doesn’t explain why or mention other variables which might be associated w/ testosterone + aggression
What is the Conclusion of the Practical Report in Correlational Research in relation to Behaviour in General?
•Shows testosterone + aggression levels are not linked •This doesn’t support previous research which links testosterone and aggression levels from Mazur (1983)
What is the Conclusion of the Practical Report in Correlational Research in relation to your Results?
No correlation between testosterone + aggression levels as the results were not significant and the null hypothesis was accepted
What were the Results for Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient of the Practical Report in Correlational Research?
- The coefficient was 0.249
* So, it’s a weak positive
What is Aronson’s (1997) Definition of Aggression?
- An intentional action aimed at doing harm or causing pain
- Action might be physical or verbal
- It night succeed in its goal or not
Do you think Aggression is Innate or Learned and State Evidence?
- Aggression is both
* Nature explains aggressive behaviour by focusing on hormones, evolution + genetic’s, brain structure + functioning
What is Catharsis in Aggression?
Process of releasing negative energy from the mind
How does the Psychodynamic approach Explain Why some people might become Violently Aggressive in Aggression?
- Aggression is explained by using the unconscious drives in the mind
- Humans have a death drive (Thanatos) - drive to return us to our inorganic state
- When a person is frustrated (superego) the aggression is built up and released in form of violence or aggression
How are Eros + Thanatos Different in Aggression?
- Eros - positive, creative, love, motivates us, sexual behaviour
- Thanatos - death drive, aggression
How are Eros + Thanatos Similar in Aggression?
They are both innate
What are the 3 Parts of the Personality according to Freud?
- ID
- Ego
- Superego
What is the Superego as part of your Personality in Agression?
Operates morality principle, providing is w/ a conscious
What is the Ego as part of your Personality in Agression?
- Operates on reality principle + controls desire of ID
* Maintains balance between id + superego
What is the ID as part of your Personality in Agression?
- Born w/ mass of pleasure seeking desires
* Operates on pleasure principle + wants immediate gratification
What are the Key Assumptions of the Psychodynamic Approach in Aggression?
- Our awareness is in layers
- What we think/feel + what motivates us is in the unconscious mind
- Mental processes drive behaviour
What are the Weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Scientific credibility is low
- Low in validity
- Low in generalisability
- Freuds theory of aggression isn’t falsifiable
- It lacks empiricism
- Freuds theory of aggression is deterministic
What are the Strengths of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Evidence to support
* Useful applications
How is Freud’s theory of Aggression being Deterministic a Weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Sees aggression as being caused by innate drives in the unconscious mind in which the person has no direct control
- This is problematic - it means that aggressive behaviour doesn’t come from a persons free will
- This implies violent criminals cannot be held responsible for their behaviour
How is Freud’s theory of Aggression Not being Falsifiable a Weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Many of his ideas and not directly measurable or observable
- Difficult to design scientific research to test them
- E.g. Thanatos is the death drive - not directly observable as it’s the unconscious mind - not testable
- So, Freuds theory lacks empiricism
How is Low Generalisability a Weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Case studies only have 1 participant
- E.g. Little Hans
- Can’t berepresentative of population as a whole
- As, it’s a unique case
How is Low Validity a Weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Findings on the causes of aggression from case studies are based on qualitative data
- So, open to subjective interpretation
- They won’t accurately reflect what really causes aggression
How is Low Scientific Credibility a Weaknesses of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Most of Freud’s evidence to support his theories was collected from detailed case studies of his patience
- E.g. Little Hans
- Not generalisable or valid as unique cases
How is Practical Applications a Strength of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Freud’s theories led to practical applications in the form of talking cures like psychotherapy
- The idea of catharsis suggests that aggression might be reduced by people getting aggressive thoughts out of their system
How is Supporting Evidence a Strength of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Freud uses detailed case studies to develop his theories + back his ideas
- Got qualitative data from clinical interviews + observations over a period of years
- So, could carry out in-depth analysis of each individual
How does the Study of Little Hans Support Evidence of the Psychodynamic Explanation of Aggression?
- Freud used interview data to draw conclusions
- Said that the aggression Hans showed towards his father
- E.g.biting him + hitting him
- Was evidence of oedipus complex in the phallic stage of psychosexual development
- As, the boy had unconscious jealousy of his fathers intimate relationship with his mother
What are 2 Similarities between Psychodynamic + Biological Explanations of Aggression?
- Both have a deterministic view of aggression - meaning aggressive behaviour is beyond the control of the individual
- Both can be considered as an innate explanation of an aggression - both supporting the nature side of the nature/ nurture debate
What are 2 Differences between Psychodynamic + Biological Explanations of Aggression?
- Biological has scientific evidence to support it whereas, Psychodynamic doesn’t have very much scientific support
- Their assumption about what they consider the main drive of aggressive behaviour to be
What are Examples of how a Difference between Psychodynamic + Biological Explanations of Aggression is that their Assumptions about what they Consider their Main Drive of Aggressive Behaviour to be?
- Psychodynamic - Aggression is result of unconscious mental mechanisms + drives conflicts between the death drive + life energy + sex drive
- Biological - Aggression is explained by physical properties of the brain - e.g. causes an increase in reactive aggression
What are Examples of how a Difference between Psychodynamic + Biological Explanations of Aggression is that the Biological Explanation has more Scientific Evidence?
- Psychodynamic- based on existence of theoretical structures - not directly observable - e.g. Thanatos (death instinct) is in your unconscious mind
- Biological - Directly tested using valid measuring instruments - e.g. Raine used PET scans to look for brain dysfunction in murderers
What are Examples of how a Similarity between Psychodynamic + Biological Explanations of Aggression is that they’re considered an Innate explanation of Aggression + support Nature side of the Nature/Nurture Debate?
- Psychodynamic - Born w/ an innate unconscious death drive, Thanatos that’s driven to self destruct
- Biological - Hormone levels + brain structures can make us act aggressively - e.g. high testosterone levels linked w/ aggressiveness
What are Examples of how a Similarity between Psychodynamic + Biological Explanations of Aggression is that they’re considered as a Deterministic view of Aggression so that Aggressive Behaviour is beyond our Control?
- Psychodynamic - because of death drive - aggression builds up in us + must be released through catharsis
- Biological - humans have evolved to be aggressive - early humans adapted to survive - aggression is built up
What is the Age of the Oral Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
0-15 months
What is the Age of the Anal Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
1-3 years
What is the Age of the Phallic Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
3-5 years
What is the Age of the Latency Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
5 years - puberty
What is the Age of the Genital Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Puberty onwards
What is the Aspect of Personality of the Oral Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Id is present from birth
What is the Aspect of Personality of the Anal Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Ego develops
What is the Aspect of Personality of the Phallic Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Develop of superego
What is the Aspect of Personality of the Latency Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Learning - social environment - same sex relationships
What is the Focus of the Libido of the Oral Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
The mouth
What is the Focus of the Libido of the Anal Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Anus - gain pleasure from control
What is the Focus of the Libido of the Phallic Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Genitals
What is the Focus of the Libido of the Latency Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Sexual feeling suppressed
What is the Focus of the Libido of the Genital Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Genitals
What is the Task to be Achieved of the Oral Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Child must achieve weaning
What is the Task to be Achieved of the Anal Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory mood of Aggression?
Toilet training
What is the Task to be Achieved of the Phallic Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Oedipus complex - child must successfully identify w/ same sex parent
What is the Task to be Achieved of the Latency Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Focus their energy on other aspects of life
What is the Task to be Achieved of the Genital Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Focus on genitals, sexual interest, desire, persist of sexual relationships
What do Fixations Result in for the Oral Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Psychological fixation - problems w/ weaning can lead to smoking, chewing, overeating, sarcasm
What do Fixations Result in for the Anal Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
- Overindulgence may result in a messy people
* Under-indulgence may result in obsessive + over-tidy people
What do Fixations Result in for the Phallic Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Result in repression of sexuality
What do Fixations Result in for the Latency Stage in Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
Time of learning, adjusting to social environment outside the home, absorbing culture, develop same-sex friends
What are the 5 Stages of Psycho-Sexual Development in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
- Oral stage
- Anal stage
- Phallic stage
- Latency stage
- Genital stage
According to Freud, What does the Stages of Psycho-Sexual Development Mean in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
•As you get older you focus on different parts of your body •Unique experiences create unique personalities
What was the Aim of Megargee + Mendelsohn (1970s) that is Evidence for Catharsis in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
To see if there’s a link between aggression + personality type
What was the Study of Megargee + Mendelsohn (1970s) that is Evidence for Catharsis in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
- Interviewed + given personality type people who had committed brutally aggressive crimes
- These criminals have been over controlled + repressed their anger until they exploded
What did Megargee + Mendelsohn (1970s) Conclude that is Evidence for Catharsis in Freud’s Theory of Aggression?
- If people don’t let their aggression instinct out in small amounts from time to time
- The build up will be huge that they won’t be able to control it