daniel's et al (1991) study into the effects of amphetamines on schizophrenia

Question 1

aim

Answer 1

To see whether amphetamines affect PFC and WCST performance.

Question 2

sample

Answer 2

10 chronic schizophrenics from same hospital

Question 3

research method/ design

Answer 3

Lab experiment (double-blind) -
repeated measures design

Question 4

procedure

Answer 4

-Participant received dose of
amphetamine or placebo
-Completed the Card sort test (PFC
task) and BAR task (control task) on a
computer whilst having SPECT scan
* Did same 2-4 days later but
swapped (double-blind) *

Question 5

findings

Answer 5

-No difference in BAR task (control)
-Small difference between
amphetamine & placebo in the WCST
as some areas of the prefrontal
cortex were active

Question 6

conclusion

Answer 6

Amphetamines shown to increase
the ability of the prefrontal cortex
to focus in the WCST.

Question 7

limitations

Answer 7

Sample too small (can’t be
generalised) & culturally biased
(unrepresentative)
Ethical issues: using brain scans for
research not medical reasons.