Biological Approach SAQS Flashcards
Explain one technique used to study the brain in relation to behavior
HM and Milner (1966)
- AIM: To determine HM’s memory deficiency and to better understand the effects the surgery had.
Method: Longitudinal case study
Procedure: Hm underwent a surgery for his epileptic seizures and lost 2/3 of his hippocampus and most of his amygdala.
**Hippocampus is responsible for learning and transferring short term memory to long term.
**Amygdala is responsible for emotion, memory and fear.
- HM was studied over the course of 50 years, through iq tests, direct observation of behavior, and MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), which scanned the damage in the hippocampus.
- HM’S short term memory was cut down to about 30 seconds.
Results: the ability to form new episodic memory is located in the hippocampus.
-episodic memory is autobiographical events (times, places) that can be explicitly stated.
- HM could learn new motor skills (procedural memory), such as using a walker, which is localized in the striatum and cerebellum.
**striatum is voluntary movement control
**cerebellum is for coordinate and balance.
Explain localization of behavior, with reference to one study.
HM and Milner (1966)
- AIM: To determine HM’s memory deficiency and to better understand the effects the surgery had.
Method: Longitudinal case study
Procedure: Hm underwent a surgery for his epileptic seizures and lost 2/3 of his hippocampus and most of his amygdala.
**Hippocampus is responsible for learning and transferring short term memory to long term.
**Amygdala is responsible for emotion, memory and fear.
- HM was studied over the course of 50 years, through iq tests, direct observation of behavior, and MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), which scanned the damage in the hippocampus.
- HM’S short term memory was cut down to about 30 seconds.
Results: the ability to form new episodic memory is located in the hippocampus.
-episodic memory is autobiographical events (times, places) that can be explicitly stated.
- HM could learn new motor skills (procedural memory), such as using a walker, which is localized in the striatum and cerebellum.
**striatum is voluntary movement control
**cerebellum is for coordinate and balance.
LOCALIZATION OF BEHAVIOR is that DIFFERENT parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors.
Explain Neroplasticity , with reference to one study.
**Neroplasticity refers to changes in neural pathways and synapse which are due to changes in behavior, environment and neural processes, as well as changes resulting in bodily injury.
-The brain constantly changes throughout life.
- Two types of neuroplasticity:
FUNCTIONAL NEUROPLASTICITY, which refers to the brains ability to shift some functions from damaged areas to undamaged areas. This happens after a stroke (etc)
STRUCTURAL NEUROPLASTICITY, refers to brain changes that result from learning, active practice or environmental changes.
- Dranganski et al (2004)
Aim: to determine whether structural changes could be detected in the human brain as a result of learning a new motor skill.
Method: 21 females and 3 males were used and had of the Ss spent 3 months learning to perform a basic juggling routine for a minimum of 60 seconds, MRI scans were done before and after the 3 months of practice and a third scan was made 3 months later, during which time Ss were not supposed to practice their new skills.
Results: no significant group differences in brain structure in the first scan, two areas of brain were significantly different in size after training, they found more grey matter in some areas of the cortex, most notably the mid-temporal area of both hemispheres. DIFFERENCE became smaller in third scan, when practice had stopped for three months.
***two aspects of neurplasticity–> Dendritic branching and pruning.
- strengthing of synapeses= long term potentiation.
Explain the effect of one neurotransmitter on human behavior with reference to one study
*Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers found in the brain and other parts of the body
STUDY = Martinez and Kesner (2009)
Aim: investigated the role of acetylcholine (exicatory) on the formation of memory.
* acetylcholine is associated with memory and muscle movement.
In the hippocampus, there is a high concentration of acetylcholine receptor sites. Researchers have therefore questioned the role of this neurotransmitter in the consolidation of memories.
Method/procedure:
three groups of rats to run a maze
GROUP 1= injected with scopolamine (antagonist). which is a drug that blocks acetylcholine receptor sites, limiting the reception of acetylcholine.
GROUP 2= was injected with physostigmine (agonist), which is a drug that blocks the production of cholinesterase, an enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of acetylcholine.
GROUP 3= control group, so no drugs.
RESULTS:
group 1= had problems finding their way through the maze & made MOST mistakes.
group 2= was the fastest and made FEW mistakes
group3= no change in behavior
conclusion:
This study shows that acetylcholine is important in memory, as the rats showed different memory capacity depending on the acetylcholine levels.
Explain one ethical consideration in one study of the brain and behavior
HM AND MILNER (1966)
- AIM: To determine HM’s memory deficiency and to better understand the effects the surgery had.
Method: Longitudinal case study
Procedure: Hm underwent a surgery for his epileptic seizures and lost 2/3 of his hippocampus and most of his amygdala.
**Hippocampus is responsible for learning and transferring short term memory to long term.
**Amygdala is responsible for emotion, memory and fear.
- HM was studied over the course of 50 years, through iq tests, direct observation of behavior, and MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), which scanned the damage in the hippocampus.
- HM’S short term memory was cut down to about 30 seconds.
Results: the ability to form new episodic memory is located in the hippocampus.
-episodic memory is autobiographical events (times, places) that can be explicitly stated.
- HM could learn new motor skills (procedural memory), such as using a walker, which is localized in the striatum and cerebellum.
**striatum is voluntary movement control
**cerebellum is for coordinate and balance.
*THIS is ethically wrong since he was studied for a duration of 50 years and had a stm of 30 seconds**
so consent is questioned.
Explain one research method in one study of brain and behavior.
STUDY = HM AND MILNER (1966)
Case studies
▪ Much of our early understanding of the brain’s role in human behavior came from
accidents, disease and naturally-occurring irregularities.
- AIM: To determine HM’s memory deficiency and to better understand the effects the surgery had.
Method: Longitudinal case study
Procedure: Hm underwent a surgery for his epileptic seizures and lost 2/3 of his hippocampus and most of his amygdala.
**Hippocampus is responsible for learning and transferring short term memory to long term.
**Amygdala is responsible for emotion, memory and fear.
- HM was studied over the course of 50 years, through iq tests, direct observation of behavior, and MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), which scanned the damage in the hippocampus.
- HM’S short term memory was cut down to about 30 seconds.
Results: the ability to form new episodic memory is located in the hippocampus.
-episodic memory is autobiographical events (times, places) that can be explicitly stated.
- HM could learn new motor skills (procedural memory), such as using a walker, which is localized in the striatum and cerebellum.
**striatum is voluntary movement control
**cerebellum is for coordinate and balance.
Explain the role of one antagonist with reference to one study
ANTAGONIST = binds to the receptor and then
stops that neurotransmitter from binding and
sending a signal.
STUDY = Martinez and Kesner (2009)
Aim: investigated the role of acetylcholine (exicatory) on the formation of memory.
* acetylcholine is associated with memory and muscle movement.
In the hippocampus, there is a high concentration of acetylcholine receptor sites. Researchers have therefore questioned the role of this neurotransmitter in the consolidation of memories.
Method/procedure:
three groups of rats to run a maze
GROUP 1= injected with scopolamine (antagonist). which is a drug that blocks acetylcholine receptor sites, limiting the reception of acetylcholine.
GROUP 2= was injected with physostigmine (agonist), which is a drug that blocks the production of cholinesterase, an enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of acetylcholine.
GROUP 3= control group, so no drugs.
RESULTS:
group 1= had problems finding their way through the maze & made MOST mistakes.
group 2= was the fastest and made FEW mistakes
group3= no change in behavior
conclusion:
This study shows that acetylcholine is important in memory, as the rats showed different memory capacity depending on the acetylcholine levels.
Explain the formation of neural networks with use of one study.
Neural networks: is a series of connected neurons. Information travels along these networks that enable us to do things.
STUDY : Maguire (2000)
aim: to investigate whether changes (plasticity) could be detected in the brains of london taxi drivers and to further investigate the functions of the hippocampus in spatial memory
Method/procedure:
-quasi= no cause and effect
- 16 healthy, right handed male licensed taxi drivers
-mean age 44 (range 32-62)
- all Ss licensed london taxi drivers for more than one and a half years and had completed “the knowledge” course and exam.
- control group of 16 non-taxi drivers matched on the age range of the taxi drivers.
-structural mri images were taken of their brain
structulral mri’s, 24 sagittal slices taken, each Ss = NUMBER OF PIXELS COUNTED.
results= no difference in overall volume, nut the taxi drivers showed a greater volume in their hippocampi compared to the control group.
. Explain neural pruning with reference to one study.
STUDY: drangaski (2004)
Aim: to determine whether structural changes could be detected in the human brain as a result of learning a new motor skill.
Method: 21 females and 3 males were used and had of the Ss spent 3 months learning to perform a basic juggling routine for a minimum of 60 seconds, MRI scans were done before and after the 3 months of practice and a third scan was made 3 months later, during which time Ss were not supposed to practice their new skills.
Results: no significant group differences in brain structure in the first scan, two areas of brain were significantly different in size after training, they found more grey matter in some areas of the cortex, most notably the mid-temporal area of both hemispheres. DIFFERENCE became smaller in third scan, when practice had stopped for three months.
***two aspects of neuroplasticity–> Dendritic branching and pruning.
- strengthening of synapses= long term potentiation
Explain the role of one agonist with reference to one study.
Agonist = is a chemical messenger that binds to the receptor sites of neurons and activates them to create a response.
study : martinez and kesner (2009)
Aim: investigated the role of acetylcholine (exicatory) on the formation of memory.
* acetylcholine is associated with memory and muscle movement.
In the hippocampus, there is a high concentration of acetylcholine receptor sites. Researchers have therefore questioned the role of this neurotransmitter in the consolidation of memories.
Method/procedure:
three groups of rats to run a maze
GROUP 1= injected with scopolamine (antagonist). which is a drug that blocks acetylcholine receptor sites, limiting the reception of acetylcholine.
GROUP 2= was injected with physostigmine (agonist), which is a drug that blocks the production of cholinesterase, an enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of acetylcholine.
GROUP 3= control group, so no drugs.
RESULTS:
group 1= had problems finding their way through the maze & made MOST mistakes.
group 2= was the fastest and made FEW mistakes
group3= no change in behavior
conclusion:
This study shows that acetylcholine is important in memory, as the rats showed different memory capacity depending on the acetylcholine levels.
Explain the role of inhibitory or excitatory synapses in one behavior with reference to one study.
excitatory neurotransmitters allow the impulse to cross the synapses. Thus producing stimulating effects on the brain.
STUDY: OLDS AND MILNER (1954)
Aim: Olds and Milner wanted to electrically stimulate different parts of the brain to see what behavior rats showed in response.
Method/Procedure:
- Implanted electrodes in the brains of 15 rats. The electrodes were activated when the rats pressed a metal bar.
- they noticed that rats would continually press a lever– far beyond rats who had probes in other areas of their brains– if the probe stimulated the Nucleus Accumbens. They reasoned that rats must be receiving some rewarding or positive sensation.
Nucleus accumbens = one of the areas referred to as the “pleasure center of brain” , related to dopamine and serotonin production.
in second experiment, olds again implanted an electrode that stimulated the nucleus accumbens. Rats would cross an electrified grid– which caused a shock– to press a pedal that resulted in stimulation. Often rats would forgo water and food. Again olds reasoned that this stimulation must have caused a pleasurable sensation.
Explain the effect of one hormone on human behavior with reference to one study.
Testosterone= is a steroid hormone that stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex.
Study: testosterone, crime, and misbehavior– James. M dabbs et al
Aim: The aim of the research was to investigate how the presences of high testosterone levels in males effects aggression and violence.
Method: Quasi- experiment ( THE IV is naturally occuring)
Procedure: Pooled data from two groups of prisoners; those that commited crimes of:
1. sex/ violence
2. property crimes/ drug abuse.
Measured testosterone levels in the saliva of 692 adult male prisoners.
Results: The researchers found that inmates who committed crimes of sex and violence had high testosterone levels than inmates who were incarcerated for property crimes or drug abuse.
Explain one effect of one potential pheromone in human behavior with reference to** one** study.
Pheromones= A chemical that an animal produces which changes the behavior of another animal of the same species. Some describe pheromones as behavior-altering agents.
- they are ectohormones, which are secreted outside the body, and they influence the behavior of another individual MAYBE.
HOW DO THEY WORK:
1. Our bodies naturally secrete fluids through glands in our body that contain natural pheromones.
2. The vomeronasal organ detects the pheromones and sends a signal to the olfactory nerves.
3. the olfactory nerves stimulate the hypothalamus in the cortex of the brain which stimulates emotions.
4. The pheromone scent triggers illicit emotions in the hypothalamus such as attraction, sexual desire, and arousal.
STUDY: wedekind et al (1995)
Aim- To determine whether one’s Major Histocompatibility Complex would affect mate choice.
Method- Double Blind Experiment
Procedure- 49 female participants were tested to identify their MHC genes. The men were told to wear a shirt that was 100% cotton for 2 nights and keeping the shirt in an open plastic bag during the day. They were instructed not to do certain things such as wear deodorant or engage in sexual activity. At the end of the two days, the females were asked to smell the shirts and rate the shirts on a scale of 1-10 based on how pleasant the scent was.
Results- Women preferred men with dissimilar MHC genes than their own.
Conclusions- Our attraction to other people could be due to the smell of their genes and the more dissimilar the genes are to our own, the more likely that we are attracted to the scent.
Wedekind studied what is known as the Major
Histocompatibility Complex, a group of genes that play an
important role in the immune system. MHC genes make
molecules that enable the immune system to recognize
pathogens; in general, the more diverse the MHC genes of the
parents the stronger the immune system of the offspring. MHC
genes are expressed co-dominantly – that is, that we inherit
the MHC alleles from both of our parents, and they are
expressed equally. It would be beneficial, therefore, to have
evolved systems of recognizing individuals with different MHC
genes and preferentially selecting them to breed with to
maximize immune responses. Evolutionary psychologists
argue that our “smell” is the sign of our MHC.
Wedekind wanted to see if women are attracted to a man
because of his MHC. He did this in his famous “Smelly T-
Shirt Study.”
Explain the use of one research method in one study of hormones or pheromones.
Testosterone= is a steroid hormone that stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex.
Study: testosterone, crime, and misbehavior– James. M dabbs et al
Aim: The aim of the research was to investigate how the presences of high testosterone levels in males effects aggression and violence.
Method: Quasi- experiment ( THE IV is naturally occuring)
Procedure: Pooled data from two groups of prisoners; those that commited crimes of:
1. sex/ violence
2. property crimes/ drug abuse.
Measured testosterone levels in the saliva of 692 adult male prisoners.
Results: The researchers found that inmates who committed crimes of sex and violence had high testosterone levels than inmates who were incarcerated for property crimes or drug abuse.
QUASI EXPERIMENT = use real world interventions
has cause + effect.
Explain one ethical consideration in one study of hormones or pheromones
Testosterone= is a steroid hormone that stimulates development of male secondary sexual characteristics, produced mainly in the testes, but also in the ovaries and adrenal cortex.
Study: testosterone, crime, and misbehavior– James. M dabbs et al
Aim: The aim of the research was to investigate how the presences of high testosterone levels in males effects aggression and violence.
Method: Quasi- experiment ( THE IV is naturally occuring)
Procedure: Pooled data from two groups of prisoners; those that commited crimes of:
1. sex/ violence
2. property crimes/ drug abuse.
Measured testosterone levels in the saliva of 692 adult male prisoners.
Results: The researchers found that inmates who committed crimes of sex and violence had high testosterone levels than inmates who were incarcerated for property crimes or drug abuse.
ethically wrong as the Ss might not have consented to being seen as violent.
