BIOPSYCHOLOGY Biological Rhythms

Question 1

What is an infradian rhythm and what’s an example

Answer 1

A biological rhythm which lasts longer than 24 hours, can be weekly, monthly or annually for example , menstrual cycle

Question 2

What’s an example of a yearly cycle in infradian rhythms

Answer 2

Season affective disorder

Question 3

What are the symptoms of SAD

Answer 3

Persistent low mood, general lack of activity ans interest in life

Symptoms triggered in winter months when number of daylight hours is shorter

Question 4

Explain how season affective disorder works

Answer 4

During night pineal gland = melatonin until dawn where there is increase in light

During winter lack of light in morning means secretion process continues for longer

Has knock of effect on production of serotonin (chemical linked to onset of depressive symptoms)

Question 5

What is an ultradian rhythm and give an example

Answer 5

A biological rhythm subject to less than 24 hours for example the sleep cycle and basic rest - activity cycle

Question 6

Explain the sleep cycle

Answer 6

Psychologists identified 5 distinct stages of sleep than span 90 mins

Each steamers characterised but different levels of brainwave activity monitored with an EEG

Question 7

Who carried out the basic rest activity cycle

Answer 7

Kleitman

Question 8

Explain the basic rest activity cycle

Answer 8

Suggests 90 minute rhythm continues throughout the day - even when awake

Rather than move through sleep stages, move progressively from a state of alertness into state of fatigue every 90 mins

Human mind can focus for a period of 90 mins - towards end body starts to run out of resources resulting in hunger fatigue and loss of concentration