Circadian Rhythms - Endogenous Pacemakers and Exogenous Zeitgebers Flashcards
What are the three AO3 PEELS to evaluate endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers on the sleep wake cycle?
RTS by Decoursey
Discussion - animal bias
RTS by Michael Siffre
P
(RTS by Decoursey)
RTS effect of endogenous pacemakers on sleep wake cycle was conducted by Decoursey
E
- he destroyed the SCN connections in the brains of chipmunks
- who were then returned to nat habitat and obsv for 80 days
E
- it was found that the sleep wake cycle of the chipmunks disappeared and a lot of them had been killed by predators
- this may be bc they were awake when they shouldve been asleep so they were vulnerable to attack
L
therefore this supports inf and importance of EPs such as the SCN on the maintenance of SWC as EZ alone werent able to maintain SWC of the chipmunks
P
(Discussion - animal bias)
However, research investigating the effect of EP on SWC can be criticised for animal bias
E
this is potentially a problem bc humans may have more complex bio rhythms than animals as they have higher mental functioning
E
this means there are issues with extrapolating findings to humans
L
therefore limiting extent DeCourseys findings support importance of EP on SWC
P
(RTS by Michael Siffre)
Moreover, RTS role of EP on SWC was conducted by Michael Siffre
E
- he lived in a cave isolated from all EZ such as clocks or the light for 6 months
E
- it was found that within a few days he had developed a consistent 25 hour cycle, continuing to fall sleep and wake up on a regular schedule
L
- therefore this supports the theory that the SWC is mainly inf by EPs rather than EZs
- however, some may argue that bc his SWC did adjust longer than 24 hours, exo factors are imp in maintaining SWC
