Biological Studies Flashcards
MRI and Localization IMPORTANT
Maguire et al., (2006) investigated to what extent the various parts of the hippocampus could be correlated with certain types of topographical or spatial memory. Spatial memory refers to the ability to recall the shape of a previously experienced environment.
PET
Maguire et al., (1997) investigated to what extent the right hippocampus could be correlated with spatial memory. They used a PET scan which was given to London taxi drivers who were asked to recall complex routes around London.
fMRI
Eisenberger et al., (2003) investigated the neural correlates of social exclusion and tested the hypothesis that the brain bases of social pain are similar to those of physical pain.
Neruoplasticity
Neuroplasticity has been well documented in animal studies. For example, Diamond at el., (1972) demonstrated the effect of a physically enriched environment on the thickness of the frontal lobe in rats.
Neurotransmitters
Ach is thought to play a role in memory formation so Martinez and Kesner (1991) investigated the role of Ach in learning and memory.
Pheromones
Wedekind et al., (1995) aimed to test if a woman will rate a sweaty t-shirt as more attractive if it is from a man with different immune system genes.
Hormones
Wagner et al., (1979) measured the effects of reduced levels of testosterone on aggression in male mice. They used a clear experimental method with the manipulation of the independent variable (IV) to measure an effect on a dependent variable (DV).
Genetics and behavior
Caspi et al., (2003) wanted to know why stressful experiences led to depression in some people but not in others.
Group 1: two short alleles (increased depression symptoms)
Group 2 : one long one short (less reports and predictive adulthood depression)
Group 3 : two tall (fewer depression symptoms)
Genetic similarities
The Minnesota Twin Family Study (or MTFS) is a longitudinal study of twins conducted by various researchers associated with the University of Minnesota. The aim of the study is to identify and measure the level of genetic and environmental influences on the development of psychological traits such as IQ, academic ability, personality, interests; family and social relationships; mental and physical health.
Evolution and behavior
Lorenz (1935) took a large clutch of goose eggs and kept them until they were about to hatch out. Half of the eggs were then placed under a goose mother, while Lorenz kept the other half beside himself for several hours.
