Casey et al - background Flashcards
What is localisation of functioning?
the idea that each region of the brain has a specific function
What are characteristics of localisation of functioning?
- works in isolation on own function
- damage to brain region = no function
What is brain plasticity?
when a region of the brain is damaged and can no longer function a different brain region adapts the function of the damaged area
What are the brain regions associated with Casey’s study?
1- inferior frontal gyrus
2- ventral striatum
What is the function of the inferior frontal gyrus?
- go and no go tasks
- risk aversion
What is the function of the ventral striatum?
- reward pathway
What is delay of gratification?
the ability to resist temptation in favour of long-term goals
What type of situations are involved with delay of gratification?
alluring situations
How do alluring situations link to delay of gratification?
alluring situations can diminish our control
What factor impacts delay of gratification?
age
How does age impact delay of gratification?
what we consider to be an alluring situation that requires a capacity to control our impulses often changes with age
What does the ability to delay gratification rely on?
cognitive control
What background investigation inspired Casey’s study?
Mischel’s Marshmallow test
What is Mischel’s Marshmallow test?
- placing marshmallow in front of child
- tells child if they don’t eat it they can have 2 when she gets back (+1)
- adult leaves room
What are the two types of cues?
hot and cold
What are some hot cues in the marshmallow test?
smelling / tasting the marshmallow
What makes a cue ‘hot’?
making the delay of gratification harder to resist
What are examples of the cold cues in the marshmallow test?
recognising they will get two if they wait / avoiding looking at the marshmallow
What does being a high delayer mean?
resist temptation easily
What does being a low delayer mean?
does not resist temptation easily
What is a ‘go’ task?
a stimuli that should elicit a response e.g., a green button for go; response = pressing button
What is a ‘no go’ task?
a stimuli that should not elicit a response e.g., a red button for no; response = not pressing button
What does the inferior frontal gyrus have to do with delay of gratification?
IFG has a role in our interpretation of facial expressions and the appropriate emotional responses - correlation found between avoidance of risky behaviour
What does the ventral striatum have to do with delay of gratification?
activated due to rewards and associated with reward and immediate choices
How are go/ no go tasks similar to delay of gratification?
the brain is used in the same way
What does a go/ no go task determine?
a participant’s ability to delay the impulse to press the button and therefore control the ventral striatum with the IFG
What does performance on the marshmallow task predict?
results on the cognitive go/ no go tasks
What does the predictions of behaviour imply?
- stable trait
- criterion validity
