Hormones & Pheremones Flashcards
What are hormones and how do they affect behaviour?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system. They travel through the bloodstream to regulate various physiological processes and behaviours, such as aggression, dominance, and sexual motivation, by influencing brain regions like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
What is the role of testosterone in behaviour?
Testosterone, a steroid hormone, plays a critical role in aggressing, dominance and sexual motivation. Higher levels are associated with increased aggression and assertiveness, while lower levels are linked to less dominant behaviours
What is the aim of Dabbs’ research on testosterone and aggression?
Dabbs aimed to investigate the relationship between testosterone level correlation with more agressive or dominante behaviours
How does Dabbs measure testosterone levels in participants?
Dabbs measured testosterone level using saliva samples, a non-invasive method that reflects circulating hormone levels. Participants then engaged in tasks and social interactions, whihc were observed for signs of aggression.
What were the findings of Dabbs’ research on testosterone and aggression?
Dabbs found a positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggressive behaviour. Men with higher testosterone levels were more likely to exhibit verbal and physical aggression and engage in risk-taking activities. The study suggests testosterone influences aggression, but it does not prove causation, as other factors may contribute to aggressive behaviour.
What are pheromones and how do they influence behaviour?
Pheromones are chemical signals secreted by individuals and detected by others of the same species. They influence behaviours like sexual attraction and mate selection, often by conveying information about genetic compatibility, particularly immune system diversity.
What was the aim of Wedekind’s research on pheromones?
Wedekind aimed to investigate whether pheromones in body odour play a role in mate selection by influencing individuals to prefer partners with genetically different immune systems, enhancing the health of offspring.
How did Wedekind test the role of pheromones in mate selection?
In Wedekind’s study, male participants wore T-shirts for several days to capture their natural body odour. Female participants then smelled the shirts and rated their attractiveness, with the researchers focusing on the genetic makeup of the participants’ immune systems (MHC genes).
What did Wedekind find regarding pheromones and mate selection?
Wedekind found that women preferred the scent of T-shirts worn by men with different MHC genes, suggesting that pheromones may play a role in subconscious mate selection by signaling genetic compatibility, especially in terms of immune system diversity.
What are the implications of Wedekind’s study on pheromones and attraction?
Wedekind’s findings support the idea that pheromones influence attraction on a subconscious level by signaling genetic compatibility. However, further research is needed to explore the broader effects of pheromones on real-world mate selection and other influencing factors like culture and psychology.
