Biological rhythms: Ultradian rhythms AO3

Question 1

explain how improved understanding is a strength

Answer 1

• improved understanding of age-related changes in sleep
• scientists have observed that SWS reduces with age. Growth hormone is mostly produced during SWS therefore this is reduced in older people. According to Eve van Cauter at al (3000) the resulting sleep deficit may explain various issues in old age such as reduced alertness. In oder to increase SWS, relaxation and meditation may be used. This suggests the knowledge has practical value

Question 2

explain why individual differences acts as a limitation for ultradian rhythms

Answer 2

• there is significant variation between people.
• Tucker et al (2007) found large differences between participants in terms of the duration of each sleep stage particular between stages 3 and 4. Tucker et al suggests that these differences are likely to be biologically determined.
• this makes it difficult to describe normal sleep in any meaningful way

Question 3

explain the evaluation of sleep labs

Answer 3

• they control extraneous variables so the researcher can exclude temporary variables such as noise or temperature that may affect sleep.

despite this they have to be attached to complimentary machinery and may not represent their ordinary sleep patterns. so it may be better to conduct studies of sleep in peoples homes.

Question 4

explain the evaluation of sleep labs

Answer 4

• they control extraneous variables so the researcher can exclude temporary variables such as noise or temperature that may affect sleep.

despite this they have to be attached to complimentary machinery and may not represent their ordinary sleep patterns. so it may be better to conduct studies of sleep in peoples homes.