Biological Perspective Flashcards
Buss et al (1992) Sex differences in jealousy: evolution, physiology, and psychology aims
To see if males and females experience different forms of jealously (sexual or emotional) in response to thoughts of infidelity.
Buss et al (1992) Sex differences in jealousy: evolution, physiology, and psychology procedure
Male and female participants (American students) were asked to think of a current or former partner becoming involved with someone else (person X). Which would be more upsetting – their partner forming a deep emotional attachment with X or having passionate sexual intercourse with X? Some participants imagined the two scenarios while their physiological responses were measured.
Buss et al (1992) Sex differences in jealousy: evolution, physiology, and psychology conclusion
The findings support an evolutionary explanation of jealousy. Male sexual jealously defends against raising another man’s child which would not enhance their reproductive success. Female emotional jealousy defends losing a male partner to another woman, and the loss of support raising a child.
Buss et al (1992) Sex differences in jealousy: evolution, physiology, and psychology findings
60% of men were more distressed by the sexual infidelity scenario than the emotional infidelity one. 83% of women were more distressed by the emotional infidelity scenario than the sexual infidelity scenario. Men showed more physiological activity in the sexual infidelity scenario.
Deady et al. (2006). Maternal personality and reproductive ambition in women are associated with salivary testosterone levels aim
To see if there was a link between testosterone levels and maternal personality traits (e.g., broodiness) in women.
Deady et al. (2006). Maternal personality and reproductive ambition in women are associated with salivary testosterone levels procedure
27 female college students completed the Bem sex-role inventory (BSRI), a measure of how masculine or feminine a person perceives themselves to be. They also answered questions about their maternal personality, reproductive ambition, and career orientation. Finally, the level of testosterone in their saliva was measured.
Deady et al. (2006). Maternal personality and reproductive ambition in women are associated with salivary testosterone levels findings
BSRI findings showed that women who perceive themselves as more masculine had higher levels of testosterone. Higher levels of testosterone were correlated with lower maternal personality scores and reproductive ambition. Neither perceived femininity nor career orientation were related to testosterone.
Deady et al. (2006). Maternal personality and reproductive ambition in women are associated with salivary testosterone levels conclusion
Women’s maternal tendencies are moderated partly by the male sex hormone testosterone. This suggests that maternal personality and reproductive ambition have a biological basis and are not just due to psychological or social factors
Harlow (1868) Passage of an iron rod through the head — The case study of Phineas Gage aims and procedure
To report the unusual case of P. Gage and the implications for understanding how the brain works. Harlow recorded the details of the case.
Harlow (1868) Passage of an iron rod through the head — The case study of Phineas Gage findings
Gage was a foreman working on the railroad in the USA. He was filling holes with gunpowder and pressing down on it with a tamping iron (a long iron bar). The powder exploded prematurely forcing the taming iron all the way through Gage’s skull, fracturing bones and removing parts of his brain. He had a seizure but eventually regained consciousness and was able to walk to a cart that took him back to his hotel.
Gage recovered physically, but after seven months the change in his personality was so great that his previous employees would not give him his job back. He swore a lot but was ‘a child in his intellectual capacity’. He would often make grand plans but then immediately change his mind. He suffered epileptic seizures and died at the age of 36 (over 12 years after the accident).
Harlow (1868) Passage of an iron rod through the head — The case study of Phineas Gage conclusion
Gage’s intellectual ability had been severely impaired by the accident but not lost. The accident damaged part of the left side of his brain, affecting its function. The corresponding area on the right side was unaffected but could not completely make up for the damage to the left side. Some functions and behaviours must be localised in the brain.
