Exogenous Zeitgebers and S/W Cycle

Question 1

define exogenus zeitgebers

Answer 1

external environmental factors (cues) that entrain our endogenous rhythms

Question 2

name 2 ways light acts as a key exogeneous zeitgeber

Answer 2

1. it can resest the body’s main endogenous pacemaker (SCN)
2. as an indirect influence on key processes in the body - hormone secretion, blood circulation ect.

Question 3

outline Campbell and Murphy (1998) research on lights influence on the s/w cycle

Answer 3

woke 15 particpants at various times and shone light on back of their knees - prodcued a deviation s/w cycle up to 3 hours

Question 4

define social cues and give an example of their influence

Answer 4

• scheduels created by others (mealtimes,bedtimes)
• holidays adapt local times eating and sleeping - entrains circadian rhythm and help wie jet lag lak

Question 5

A03) what are 2 issues of Campbell and Murphy’s (1998) study?

Answer 5

1. may have been some light exposure to eyes - major confounding variable
2. isolating light does not give insight or take into account the many other zietgebers that influence s/w cycle

Question 6

A03) give an example of why influence of exogenous zietgbers may be overstated.

Answer 6

individuals who live in Artic regions (sun doesn’t set in summer) show normal sleep patterns despite prolonged exposure light