Topic 10- Ultradian & Infradian Rhythms

Question 1

PEEL 1
Support for BRAC

Answer 1

P- Research support for BRAC comes from studies of performers.
E- Ericsson found that elite performers violinist practice for about 90 minutes at a time, and often nap between practice sessions.
E- He also found the same pattern among other musician, athletes etc.
L- Supporting the existence of a 90- minute ultradian cycle of alertness and fatigue.

Question 2

PEEL 2
Sleep patterns

Answer 2

P- Individual differences in sleep patterns may be biologically determined.
E- Tucker found large differences between individuals sleep patterns, which were consistent over 11 nights in a controlled sleep lab.
E- Individuals responded very differently to 36 hour periods of sleep deprivation.
L- Suggesting that sleep patterns may be at least partially determined by genes.

Question 3

PEEL 3
Menstrual cycle

Answer 3

P- The menstrual cycle can affect mate choice, as around ovulation woman prefer more masculine faces.
E- These may represent ‘good genes’ for short-term liaisons with more likelihood of conception.
E- In contrast, women prefer ‘slightly feminine’ male faces when picking a partner for a long-term relationship as they represent kindness etc.
L- Showing how a hormonal controlled rhythm may also impact behaviour.