Biological Level of Analysis - syllabus Flashcards
Outline principles that define the biological level of analysis
- Patterns of behaviour can be inherited. (Behaviour can be innate because it is genetically based - evolution may play a role in behaviour)
- Animal research may inform our understanding of human behaviour (It can provide insight into human behaviour)
- Cognition, emotions and behaviours are products of the anatomy and physiology of our nervous and endocrine systems (there are links between for a example a specific hormone and a specific behaviour)
Explain how principles that define the biological level of analysis may be demonstrated in research (that is, theories and/or studies)
Fisher (2005)
Romantic Love, Dopamine plays a role in emotional arousal
Dopamine pathways through the brain
excitatory effect
in fMRI looked at the dopamine pathways
picture of beloved vs picture of acquintance
Results: showed group activation in brain region (right VTA was activated ) - dopamine pathways, in beloved not in acquinated
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of analysis
fMRI
Fisher
Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the biological level of analyis
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Explain one study related to localization of function in the brain
Maguire et al (2000)
Taxidrivers vs non taxidrivers, volume of hippocampus (part of limbic system)
This region is associated with navigation and spatial memory.
Used structural MRI, VBM and pixel counting
taxidrivers: large posterior, small anterior hippocampus, volume=grey matter
correlation between results and time as a taxidriver
Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmitters on human behaviour
FISHER (2005)
Romantic Love, Dopamine plays a role in emotional arousal
Dopamine pathways through the brain
excitatory effect
in fMRI looked at the dopamine pathways
picture of beloved vs picture of acquintance
Results: showed group activation in brain region (right VTA was activated ) - dopamine pathways, in beloved not in acquinated
ANDERSEN ET AL (1994)
Aim: investiating self efficacy and safety of the SSRI Citalopram in treating post-stroke depression
Theory: if serotonin is released it will be reuptaken, limitin the the stimulation of the pre-synaptic neuron. SSRIs block the reuptake of of seretonin so it continuues the stimulation. Serotonin levels are low in depressed patients
6 week double blind. Hamilton depression scale also tested sideeffects. greater improvement in citalopram students. 28 recovered independent of medication. no seriuos side effects.
SHOWS relation between serotonin and depression stimulant drug, supports the hypothesis of a “pleasure deficit”
Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behaviour
NEWCOMER ET AL (1999)
Aim: How levels of cortisol affect verbal declarative memory
Theory: cortisol = STRESS produced in adrenal cortex. FIGHT or flight
chronic stress - prolonged cortisol secretion- physiological changes (damaged immunsystem, impairment of learning & memory)
much cortisol = weakened hippocampus
50 healthy people age 18-30
3 groups = high dose cortisol 160 mg= low dose 40 mg = placebo
four days
verbal declarative memory test with distraction task
high dose group performed worse below placebo after 1 day
low level = no memory loss
BAUMGARTNER (2008)
Aim: Role of oxytocin after breaches of trust in trust game
Theory: Oxytocin is released by pituitary gland and stimulated by hypothalamus. trust is linked to bonding and attachemnt and plays a role in reproductive system, milk production, orgasm, giving birth etc,
50 male participants under fMRI the men playeed a risk and trust game with money . nasal spray - oxyticin or placebo in 50% their trust was broken,
placebi- trust decreased
oxitocyn - same trust level
decreased response in amygdale
ONLY IN TRUST NOT IN RISK GAME
ocytocin - decrease of fear response
CORRELATOIN
Discuss two effects of the environment on physiological processes
MAGUIRE ET AL (2000)
Taxidrivers vs non taxidrivers, volume of hippocampus (part of limbic system)
This region is associated with navigation and spatial memory.
Used structural MRI, VBM and pixel counting
taxidrivers: large posterior, small anterior hippocampus, volume=grey matter
correlation between results and time as a taxidriver
ROSENZWEIG ET AL (1972)
Aim: whether rats brain sizes change due to different environments
Theory: we believe that the brain has plasticity and can change. Former studies have shown that animals that are trained have bigger brains
3 male rats from same litter in 3 different groups * 12 , 4-10 weeks in cages. then sacrificed and examined. .measured sixe of various brain parts and analyzed level of neurotransitter acetylcholinisterase.
brains of enriched rats: cortex heavier and thicker + greater activity off acetylcholinisterase +larger neurons + bigger synapses. same pattern in all experiments
Examine one interaction between cognition and physiology in terms of behaviour
SPEISMAN ET AL (1964)
AIM: to find out how a difference in appraisal influenced arousal
THEORY : we know that some cognitive influences our physioogy (eg stress= sweating). Also intensity o arousal tells us how strong we are feeling something. but the situationtells us how to label arousal, what we are feeling.
college student watched film of boys being circumsized with bad knife. different soundtracks - denial (dosnt hurt) traume (PAIN) intellectuallized (tradition and history) silent. measured sweat gland activity . trauma and silent produced highest arousal.
COGNITIVE APPRAISAL THEORY: primary appraisal secundary appraisal ‘
COAN ET AL (2006)
effects of of a spouses physical expression of support on response to threatening situation
16 higly satisfied couples. fMRI spuse, stranger, non rate marital satisfaction and get used to fMRI . second sesson experiment. screen with red cross= might get chock from feet. 20% chance. or blur 0 = no chock. 3 blocks 12 no 12 yes. in random order. brainscans less emotional response in ALL 8 parts. spouse, stranger, non. marital satisfaction correlates with brain actvity during stresss
Discuss the use of brain image technologies
COAN ET AL (2006)
effects of of a spouses physical expression of support on response to threatening situation
16 higly satisfied couples. fMRI spuse, stranger, non rate marital satisfaction and get used to fMRI . second sesson experiment. screen with red cross= might get chock from feet. 20% chance. or blur 0 = no chock. 3 blocks 12 no 12 yes. in random order. brainscans less emotional response in ALL 8 parts. spouse, stranger, non. marital satisfaction correlates with brain actvity during stresss
non invasive f
fMRI = function magnetic resonance imaging.
mgentic resonance in (de)oxiganted blood is different. mapped in voxels. 1 voxel =thousands of neurons, colour shows “size”. 3 dimensonal pictures, scond by second.
+ non invasive + detailed knowledge
- expensive - not natural environment - colours may exaggerate - dont know WHY
With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic inheritance influence behaviour?
CASPI ET AL (2003)
5HHT mutated genes possible role in depression.
THEORY genetic makeup (DNA). body is build up by alleles. Mutation = smthg wrong
5-htt-gene influences levels of serotonin.
both normak and mutated 5hht gene is normal
how often they got depressed after stressful events MORE LKELY but normal people also get depressed
KENDLER ET AL (2006)
monozigotic twins have the same gentical makeup DNA genes allelels. from national swedish twins register
informed verbal consent telefone interview . moderatielly correlated genes and depression
. though siginificantly higher in women than in men. CORRELATION
Examine one evolutionary explanation of behaviour
EAGLY AND WOOD
evolution - natural selection darwim - survival and reprodution mutation and adaption
cultural variable - used gender equality measure in different countries looked at buss again
not inhertied but rather cultural and social influenced
BUSS
mating strategies men more partners women mate wisely not widely
diferent cultures 37 …
men want younger women men ohysical attractivneness and women earning potential
Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour
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