Research Methods

Question 1

Essay Question

Answer 1

Evaluate the contribution of advancing research methods and how they are contributing to the study of psychology

Question 2

Essay Plan

Answer 2

Introduction; Research Methods; Comparison of Methods; Brain Anatomy; Twin Studies; Neuroimaging; Studies Optimising Research Methods ; Limitations; Combinations of Research; Conclusion

Question 3

Research Methods

Answer 3

Started with brain damage
Animal
Then onto gene studies - gene knock out approach
Twin studies
Imaging

Question 4

Comparison of Methods

Answer 4

Dopamine in mice (drug abuse), (Caine et al., 2007)
Phineas Gage, Brain damage, Wernickes (1876) and Broca’s (1861) Area
Imaging
TMS

Question 5

Brain Anatomy

Answer 5

Phrenology, localisation of functions, (Simpson, 2005)
Brain size correlates with complex behaviours, principle of proper mass, (Jerison, 1973)
If Brain is related to intellect it isnt obvious, (Burrell, 2004)

Question 6

Twin Studies

Answer 6

Identical twins have more similarities than fraternal twins, (Buss et al., 1987)
Schizophrenia genetic but not predetermined , (Gottesman, 1991)

Question 7

Neuroimaging

Answer 7

CAT, (Andreasen, 1988)

MRI, PET, EEG, MEG (Sejnowski & Churchland, 1989)

Question 8

Studies Optimising Research Methods

Answer 8

Deep brain stimulation, alleviates Parkinson’s symptoms, (Cooper at al., 2013)
fMRI, Cerebellum involved in illusory perception, out of body experience (Schutter et al, 2006)

Question 9

Limitations

Answer 9

CAT radiations, (Pearce et al., 2012)

Brain damage not the same

Question 10

Combination of types of research

Answer 10

Understanding bio will not provide a complete understanding, (Miller, 2010)

Question 11

Conclusion

Answer 11

Very useful, need to be combined, and not taken to confidently