The Role Of Hormones

Question 1

Testosterone effects

Answer 1

Most important ‘androgen’
Masculinises foetus and develops genitalia
Brain areas associated with spatial awareness enhanced
Inc Visuo spatial abilities and competitiveness
SDN enlarged compared to female

Question 2

Young research support for role of hormones

Answer 2

Manipulated amount of male and female hormones received during early development
‘Reversed’ sexual behaviour and effects unchangeable
Impacted exploratory behaviour, aggression and play
Exposure changed SDN in brain: male rats had larger SDN than females

Question 3

Money and Ehrhardt

Answer 3

Studied sample of girls whose mothers took drugs containing test. during pregnancy- found they exhibited male type behaviour and absence of female

Question 4

Role of oestrogen

Answer 4

Group of steroid hormones which promotes development and maintenance of female characteristics of the body and later regulates menstruation
Thought to be responsible for pmt

Question 5

Increased oestrogen in pregnant baboons

Answer 5

Led to heightened cortisol production, assisted development of organs and tissues in foetuses and led to reduced number of miscarriages by regulating progesterone levels
Suggest oestrogen plays role in maintaining and promoting pregnancy

Question 6

Role of oxytocin

Answer 6

Hormone that also acts as a neurotransmitter and produced in both sexes to control key aspects of reproductive systems
Action is greater in females as it combines with oestrogen
Facilitates childbirth and breastfeeding ‘let down reflex’
Sig drops in males after orgasm yet promotes female social behaviour eg nesting, monogamy

Question 7

Van Leengoed

Answer 7

Injected antagonist of oxytocin into female rats shortly after birth to inhibit oxytocin production and found delay in maternal behaviours

Question 8

Insel

Answer 8

Administered oxytocin to female prairie voles (monogamous) and female montane voles (promiscuous) and found monog not prom responded to drug
Suggests oxytocin promotes pair bonding in monogamous (eg humans)

Question 9

Issues of animal studies e.g. Insel

Answer 9

Extrapolation issues, humans more socially and emotionally sophisticated

Question 10

Androgen Sensitivity Syndrome

Answer 10

Someone who is genetically male with xy chromosomes is resistant to male hormones
Some/ all the physical traits of women but genetic makeup of a man