Psycology Neuroscience Debate Flashcards
FOR-NEUROIMAGING-Why is neuroscience ethical?
Neuroimaging studies can be used to identify whether a person is innocent or guilty.
FOR-NEUROIMAGING-Research-What did they do?
-Raine et al used PET scans to compare differences in brain activity between NGRI murders and non murders.
-A radio active glucose tracer was injected into the PS which bonds to glucose,this emits positrons which combine with electrons in the body and produce radio active waves,scanner converses waves into signals to highlight brain activity.
During the 32 min period in which the tracer was absorbed by the brain Ps had to complete a continuous performance task to see which areas of the brain are active during attentional tasks.
FOR-NEUROIMAGING-What did they find?
They found NGRI murders had a higher glucose metabolism in the occipital and thalamus compared to controls.
They found NGRI murders had a lower glucose metabolism in the prefrontal,parietal and corpus callousm.
FOR-NEUROIMAGING-Implication
This has possiive social implications as it provides scientific,objective and biological evidence for criminal behaviour rather than only relying on social reasons so can lead to more fair sentencing in the criminal justice system.
NEUROIMAGING-FOR-Link Therefore neuroscience is ethical because..
It provides evidence for brain areas linked to voilence,so can create prevention and intervention to avoid the development of violent and criminal behaviour
therefore improving quality of life.
NEUROIMAGING-AGAISNT-Why is neuroscience unethical?
-it threatens our sense of privacy by technologies that reveal the neural correlates of our intermost thoughts and unconscious attitudes.
NEUROIMAGING-AGASINT-Research-what did they do?+include the neuroscience.
National library of medicine:
-Looked at the effects of skin tone on race-related amygdala activity.
-Phelps et al had all Ps have MRI Scans
-Which work by sending radio waves to the body causing protons to line up,when radio waves are turned off the protons realign this sends out radio signals.
-Radio signals are combined to produce a detailed image of the brain.
NEUROIMAGING-AGAISNT-Research what did they find?
Results showed significant right amygdala activity,conveying fear in the Ps.
NEURIMAGING-AGAISNT-Implications
Has negative economic implications as MRI Scans are an expensive peice of technology to use for psychological research.
-so therefore accessibility for researchers is limited.
NEUROIMAGING-AGAISNT-Link Therefore neuroscience is unethical because..
It could create a false interpretation that people have a fear of different races,when in reality they do not as they have no free will over their brain activity and processes.
BRAIN ENHANCEMENT-FOR-Why is neuroscience is ethical?
Research surrounding brain enhancement as contributed to the development of propanol which helps to reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms.
BRAIN ENHANCMENT-FOR-Research-what did they do?-include neuroscience.
-Propanol is a drug used to treat PTSD by targeting the noadrenilic system.It is a non selective-beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist-blocks beta 1 and 2 receptors.
-This reduces the effects of adrenaline(epinephrine) and noadrelnilie(norepinephrine) on these receptors.
-Neutransimitters are involved in fight or flight response.
-Roger k et al collected individuals who had recently experienced a traumatic event.
-Ps were randomly assigned to either a treatment or placebo group.
BRAIN ENHANCEMENT-FOR-Research-What did they find?
They found Ps who received proponal had a signifant reduction in their PTSD symptoms compared to those who received the placebo.
BRAIN ENHANCEMNT-FOR-Implication
This has posstive ethical implications as it can help those suffering from PTSD feel less anxious and overwhelmed with dread,
-helping them to function in their day-day life,for example being able to attend work and social events
-Furthermore it will allow people who suffer from PTSD to be more proactive within their workplace as they will have the mental capacity to do so.
-improving quality of life.
BRAIN ENHANCEMENT-FOR-Link-Therefore neuroscience is ethical because..
Neuroenhancemnt has developed medications that have been successful at reducing symptoms of MH disorders
Making a posstive impact on peoples lives
NEUROENHANCMENT-AGAISNT-Why is neuroscience unethical?
People may abuse SSRIs to improve their self esteem and confidence rather than for the main purpose of them which is to treat MH disorders.
-people may be using SSRIS for the wrongs reasons
NEUROENHANCEMENT-FOR-Reseach?-what did they do?+include the neuroscience
-SSRIS-Work by blocking reuptake meaning more serotonin is available to pass further messages between nearby nerve cells.
-Knutson B et al assessed the effects of SSRIS on mood and personality on healthy Ps.
NEUROENHACMENT-AGAISNT–What did they find?
-They found people who take the drugs in absence of mental illness commonly reported negative feeling of anxiety,sadness,disappointment and guilt.
-however had a better self esteem and confidence.
NEUROENHACEMENT-AGAISNT-Implications
This has negative economic implications as cost barriers to enhancement may increase the disadvantages that are already face by people of low socioeconomic-status in employment.
-Therefore medication may be inaccessible to people with MH disorders that actually need it.
BRAINENHANCEMENT-AGASINT-Link
Enhancement involves intervening in a complex system with unanticipated consequences and long term side effects
That can make healthy people feel worse,
As people may take SRRIS as a supplement for a confidence boost,furthermore this may create a shortage of medication accessibility for people withMH disorders so the costs outweigh the benefits.
NEUROTECHNOLOGY-FOR-Why is neuroscience ethical?
Neurotechnology has been successful at treating both physical and psychological disorders.
NEUROTECHNOLOGY-FOR-Research-what they did+neuroscience?
Neurostimulation by deep brain electrode implants,involves implanting electrodes within areas of the brain
Which produce an alternating high frequency current that disrupts brain circutery.
-DBS treats parisons disease,epilepsy and OCD.
-Kopell BH et al reviewed existing studies on DBS for psychiatric disorders to assess its efficacy and safety by exploring mechanisms of DBS in the brain.
NEUROTECHNOLOGY-FOR-What did they find?
-They found DBS was effective in reducing symptoms of treatment resistant depression and OCD.
NEUROTECHNOLOGY-FOR-Implication
This has posstive social implications as it means people with MH disorders can be treated through DBS quicker
as it is a faster process in contrast to talking therapies such as CBT that can have up to year long waiting lists and is a slower treatment process.
