Infradian Rhythm^

Question 1

Frequency?

Answer 1

frequency of less than one cycle in 24h
- menstrual cycle
- seasonal affective disorder

Question 2

The Menstrual Cycle

Answer 2

monthly - 28 day cycle (24-35)
rising levels of oestrogen causes ovaries to develop an egg and release it (ovulation)
progesterone thickens the lining of the womb reading it for pregnancy
no pregnancy, egg is absorbed

Question 3

Synchronising The M Cycle

Answer 3

endogenous system influenced by exogenous factors
Stern & McClintock
- cycle may sync because of the influence of phenoromes
-29 with irregular cycles
- pheromones samples taken from 9 with cotton pad in armpit for 8h
- pad treated with alcohol and frozen to be rubbed on the upper lip
68% had changes to cycle
- sync with odour doner

Question 4

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Answer 4

circannul rhythm (type of inradian)
- yearly
melatonin secreted for a while due to lack of light. created depressive symptoms

Question 5

Practical Application

Answer 5

Phototherapy
sit in front of lamp for 30 mins
get as much light as possible
most effective/ recommended

Question 6

Evolutionary Basis

Answer 6

dangerous for women to menstruate at the same time
pregnant/ have baby together
child lose mother, they can be breastfeeded from the other one
- increase chance of survival

Question 7

Methodological Limitations

Answer 7

failed to replicate finding
decrease reliability
due to confounding variables
- diet, stress, exercise, puberty, medical condition/medications
if accounted for during study
- they are extrogenous