Revision material and tips
|
This is a Quizlet of all the studies in this option. https://quizlet.com/_7qq0la?x=1jqt&i=1nhhis I recommend setting your own nicknames to these studies so you can easily remember it. I found it really useful when I am on the subway or just waiting around to bring it up and refresh myself on the details.
This is an excel of the studies. The way I use excel is that I will turn the text colour of some of the information to white eg. leave only the name of the study. Next, I will try and actively recall the missing informations. I will ask myself what goes in this box eg. Aim of Newcomer(usually out loud because it helps me think) and then check in the top 'formula bar' in the expanded form(press the right arrow). Then I will change the memorized level to high(h), medium(m) or low(l) so I know what I know and what I can work on. I recommend downloading a copy of this excel, change the nicknames to your own, use the memorized level column and this overall method. |
| ||
*Note that the IB does not require the year of the studies. The year mentioned are just for references just in case you wanted to do some more research on them and find the original paper or other sources.
**These are super summarized forms of these studies
***This is not an extensive list of all the possible studies, these are the studies which I remembered.
**These are super summarized forms of these studies
***This is not an extensive list of all the possible studies, these are the studies which I remembered.
Studies of Biological approach
*Use command F and type in the topic or study to make the search easier
Localization
Sperry(1968)
Nickname: Split brain
Aim: Is functions localized to different hemispheres? (lateralization) 4 patients who had their corpus callous cut(the part which connects the left and right hemispheres)
Procedure: Sat in front of a screen. Word is flashed to right hemisphere. Asked to pick object.
Results: Can’t say the name of object, because left does not know. 'he' +'art'; would say 'art' but point to 'he'
Conclusion: Localization of language is not strictly in the left hemisphere. But production and comprehension is mostly localized in left while right has some ability.
Danelli et al(2013)
Nickname: EB
Aim:
Procedure: Case study
Results: At 2.5 years, most of the right hemisphere was removed, language skills recovered in 2 years. fMRI scans showed that when doing metalinguistic tasks similar to those observed in normal's left.
Conclusion: Evaluation: cannot be generalized to other people or parts. Was at young age, adaptable no different ages.
Neuroplasticity
Draganski et al (2004)
Nickname: Juggling
Aim: To investigate whether structural changes in the brain would occur in response to practicing a juggling routine
Procedure: 3 MRIs: before start of juggling, 3 months after start of learning, 3 months after stopping
Results: significantly more grey matter in mid-temporal (coordination). After stopping, it decreased.
Conclusion: Grey matter grows in response to learning and shrinks when lack of stimulation. Cause-and effect
Draganski et al (2006)
Nickname: Med students
Aim: To investigate how brain structure responds in term of learning 38 med student, 12 control
Procedure: 3 MRId: before exam, 1st day after, 3 months after
Results: Increase grey matter in parietal cortex; did not decrease by 3rd scan. Hippocampus continues to grow after (contradicts) = increase > decrease as stress is gone
Conclusion: stress causes decrease in hippocampus grey matter. Increase grey matter in response to learning (new memories)
Maguire et al (2000)
Nickname: Taxi drivers
Aim: To investigate how the brain structure of London Taxi drivers is different than non-drivers. 16 taxi drivers.
Procedure: Quasi-experiment: MRI scans on Taxi drivers of different experiences and compared to records of non-drivers.
Results: Taxi: increase grey matter in posterior hippocampus (memory) Control: increase grey matter in anterior hippocampus (learning). More years = greater increase posterior and decrease anterior
Conclusion: Redistribution of grey matter
Merzenich et al (1984)
Nickname: Monkey fingers
Aim: To investigate how the sensory cortex responsible for the hand respond to injury. 8 adult owl monkeys
Procedure: Mapped area of cortex to each finger by EEG. Finger were amputated. 2 months later, remapping.
Results: 5 distinct areas for each finger. Unused are now was 'occupied' by adjacent fingers' areas.
Conclusion: Sensory cortex of adult owl monkey adopts to injury by cortical remapping.
Other topics: Animal research
Neurotransmitter
Rogers and Kesner (2003)
Nickname: Rats in maze
Aim: To determine the role of acetylcholine in the formation of spatial memory.
Procedure: Rats were accustomed to a maze. Either injected with scopolamine (blocks receptor sites) or placebo 10 mins before running the maze. Encoding of memory was assessed by the avg. amount of errors made on first five trials of Day 1 compared to last 5 trials of Day 1. Retrieval of memory was assessed by avg. number of errors made on the first five trials of Day 2 compared to last 5 of Day 1.
Results: Scopolamine grp took longer and made more mistakes in learning the maze. Higher mistakes made on last 5 trials of Day 1. No effect on retrieval of memories.
Conclusion: Acetylcholine plays an important role in the encoding of spatial memories.
Other topics: Animal Research
Fisher et al (2005)
Nickname: Fishing for photos
Aim: To investigate neural mechanisms of romantic love
Procedure: Conducted a semi-structured interview to establish the duration and intensity of participants' feeling. Completed Likert scale questionnaire that measured traits related to love. fMRI: looked at photo for 30s then neutral photo,6 times. Compared brain responses of loved one to neutral person.
Results: Specific pattern of activation in the brain in response to photo of loved ones.
Activation was prominent in dopamine-rich brain areas. More passionate = more active the reward system
Conclusion: Dopaminergic activity plays a role in feelings of romantic love.
Other topics: Formation of relationship
Hormone
McGaugh and Cahill (1995)
Nickname: Emotional slides
Aim: To study the role of emotion on the creation of memories.
Procedure: Participants saw 12 slides which were told with a story: either mother and son going to hospital to see father or boy involved with car accident and went to surgery. 2 weeks later, tested on specific memories, MCQ
Results: Original: more emotionally arousing story had better recall of specific details of the story and slides. Follow up: beta-blockers group did no better than the group that heard the boring story.
Conclusion: Amygdala plays a significant role in the creation of memories linked to emotional arousal.
Other topics: Flashbulb memory
+ve
-ve
· Multiple choice question so can guess answer
· Slideshow – may not be ecologically valid
· They could have written it down afterwards
Ronay and von Hippel(2010)
Nickname: Skateboarder
Aim: To determine if men would take greater risks in the presence of an attractive female. If testosterone played a role in this behaviour
Procedure: Participants were asked to do one easy trick and one difficult trick which they did 10 times each. Did it again but in front of the same male researcher or an attractive female(attractiveness of female based on 20 males rating photo). Coded for success, crash landing or aborted attempt. Also, saliva samples were tested for testosterone + HR before and throughout
Results: Greater risk on difficult tricks in presence of the female researcher. Aborted fewer times. Testosterone levels were higher for female. No diff in HR.
Conclusion: Testosterone may have played a role in facilitating the risk-taking behaviour of the men.
Other topics: Formation of relationship
Ferguson et al(2000)
Nickname: Sniffing rat butts
Aim: To investigate the role of oxytocin in social memory in rodents
Procedure: oxytocin gene knockout mice was introduced to a female mouse into the cage for a min. Repeated four times then on firth, another mice was used. Olfactory investigation - amount of time spent in nasal contact was observed.
Results: Normal genotype had reduced time as the more the female entered. Knockout had same times.
Conclusion: Oxytocin is necessary for the development of social memory in mice. It plays a role in recognizing familiar members of the same species. Applicable to autism.
Other topics: Animal research, Genetics
Newcomer et al (1999)
Nickname: Cortisol
Aim: To investigate whether high levels of cortisol interfere with verbal declarative memory.
Procedure: Participants were matched for age and gender. Condition: High level of cortisol, low level or placebo. Asked to listen and recall parts of a prose paragraph. Tested their verbal declarative memory over a period of 4 days.
Results: Low dose of cortisol was good in the short term. High dose had the worse results. Long term, placebo did the best, then low dose, and high dose did even worse.
Conclusion:
Ditzen et al(2009)
Nickname: Arguing couples
Aim: To investigate the possible role of oxytocin in how couples discuss a contentious issue
Procedure: Each couple received either oxytocin or placebo nasally. Videotaped as they engaged in a discussion which will lead to an argument. Level of cortisol in saliva was measured.
Results: Oxytocin improved communication and lowered cortisol.
Conclusion: Oxytocin may regulate the stress response by suppressing activity of the amygdala
Other topics: Formation of relationship
De Dreu et al(2012)
Nickname: Oxytocin is not a friend
Aim: To investigate how oxytocin affects cooperation
Procedure: Modified version of the prisoner's dilemma game
Results: After taking oxytocin, participants were more likely to pre-emptively compete with other groups out of fear that other would start first. Oxytocin engaged defense mood
Conclusion: Oxytocin increases cooperation with in-group and increases competition with out-group
Other topics: Cooperation
Genetic research
Kendler et al (2015)
Nickname: Adopted siblings
Aim: Does the type of parent have an effect on intelligence in adopted and non-adoptive siblings.
Procedure: Identified and studied male sibling sets where one of the members was reared by adoptive parents. IQ scores and educational attainment of biological and adoptive parents were taken by a Swedish database.
Results: Modest correlation (r=0.18). Mean educational level of the adoptive parents was higher than biological parents. Adopted kids showed higher intelligence. Best: from smart family to smart family.
Conclusion:
Bouchard and McGue(1981)
Nickname: Twins study
Aim: To estimate heritability of IQ
Procedure: Meta-analysis of 111 twin studies that were about heritability of intelligence.
Results: Correlations of IQ scores tend to be higher for monozygotic twins that for dizygotic twins.
Conclusion: Intelligence is inherited to a considerable extent. Environment still has a role
Cases et al(1995)
Nickname: Aggressive mice
Aim: To investigate the genetic origins of aggression
Procedure: Used transgenic mice where the gene that regulates the production of MAOA(breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine) was gone.
Results: High levels of serotonin and norepinephrine were found in offspring. Also, high levels of aggression.
Conclusion: MAOA has an effect on aggression levels.
Other topics: Animal researcher
Capsi et al(2002)
Nickname: Angry NZ kids
Aim: To investigate the genetic origins of aggression, especially gene-environment interaction.
Procedure: Longitudinal 26 years on 442 boys. Looked at genotype, gene that controls the production of MAOA enzyme. Looked at if gene had effect on level of aggression in children but if environmental stressors interact with gene.
Results: by age of 11, 36% of the children had by maltreated, eg. Rejected by mother, physical or sexual abuse. They had MAOA gene that resulted in low level of enzyme production, more likely to bully others, have aggressive and anti-social behaviour. Were abused but no gene same had same aggression level as not abused.
Conclusion: Supports the theory on genetic influence in aggressive behaviour
Ferguson et al(2000)
Nickname: Sniffing rat butts
Aim: To investigate the role of oxytocin in social memory in rodents
Procedure: oxytocin gene knockout mice was introduced to a female mouse into the cage for a min. Repeated four times then on firth, another mice was used. Olfactory investigation - amount of time spent in nasal contact was observed.
Results: Normal genotype had reduced time as the more the female entered. Knockout had same times.
Conclusion: Oxytocin is necessary for the development of social memory in mice. It plays a role in recognizing familiar members of the same species. Applicable to autism.
Other topics: Animal research, hormones
Wedekind (1995)
Nickname: T shirt
Nickname: T shirt
Aim: To figure out if males’ Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC, immune gene) affect mate choice in female
Procedure: Participants was typed for their MHC. Males were asked to wear a T-shirt for 2 night. No perfume soap, smoking, drinking, sex. Asked females to rank the smell of 7 shirts kept in a cardboard box in a room for intensity and pleasantness alone. 3/7 boxes with MHC similar.
Results: More pleasant with dissimilar own genes. Odours of dissimilar reminded the women more often of their actual or former mates.
Conclusion: MHC or linked genes influence human mate choice.
Other topics: Formation of relationship, pheromones
+ve
· Replicated successfully
· Other studies on MHC also supports the conclusion
· Double blinds – no demand characteristics
-ve
· Reductionist
· Sample bias
· There was over sensitizing of nose and odour is stronger than usual
Pheromones
Wedekind (1995)
Nickname: T shirt
Aim: To figure out if males’ Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC, immune gene) affect mate choice in female
Procedure: Participants was typed for their MHC. Males were asked to wear a T-shirt for 2 night. No perfume soap, smoking, drinking, sex. Asked females to rank the smell of 7 shirts kept in a cardboard box in a room for intensity and pleasantness alone. 3/7 boxes with MHC similar.
Results: More pleasant with dissimilar own genes. Odours of dissimilar reminded the women more often of their actual or former mates.
Conclusion: MHC or linked genes influence human mate choice.
Other topics: Formation of relationships, genetics
+ve
· Replicated successfully
· Other studies on MHC also supports the conclusion
· Double blinds – no demand characteristics
-ve
· Reductionist
· Sample bias
· There was over sensitizing of nose and odour is stronger than usual
Zhou et al (2014)
Nickname: Urine affects gender identity?
Aim: To see if androstadienone(M) and estratetraenol(F) influenced sexual behaviour
Procedure: Asked to watch stick figures walk and determine their gender while being exposed to cloves with androstadienone(M), estratetraenol(F)or none.
Results: Androstadienone, straight females and gay males viewed the stick as more masculine and vice versa.
Conclusion: The corresponding pheromone has an effect of sexual behaviour
Other topics: Formation of relationships
+ve
-ve
· Reductionist
· Exposed to high levels of pheromones. Not naturalistic
· Tested if participants perceived a person’s walk as feminine or masculine not really sexual behaviour
Evolution
Curtis, Aunger and Rabie(2004)
Nickname: Disgust
Aim: To test if disgust is stronger with stimuli associated with disease, whether cross-cultural, more pronounced in females as have to protect themselves and babies, get weaker as get older
Procedure: Online survey with 77,000 from 165 countries on the BBC science website. Asked about demographic. Rate 20 photographs for disgust on 105.
Results: Rating of disgust was higher for disease associated. Consistent across culture. Higher results in females.
Conclusion: Disgust is a biologically based response to disease stimuli to reduce risk of catching diseases.
Fessler(2006)
Nickname: Pregnant morning sickness
Aim: To investigate whether disgust helps to compensate for the suppressed immune system
Procedure: pregnant women were asked about their morning sickness level then asked to rank 32 potentially disgusting scenarios.
Results: Women in 1st trimester ranked more sensitive to disgust than 2nd and 3rd trimester women. After controlled, responded to food-borne scenarios. Avoid bad food that could harm baby.
Conclusion: Disgust allowed our ancestors to survive longer enough to produce offspring
Buss(1989)
Nickname: Pre- programmed love
Aim: To investigate cross-cultural similarities and diff in mate preferences in males and females.
Procedure: 37 samples, over 10,000 participants. Survey from 33 countries. Asked preferred age to get married, desired age diff, number of children. Rate 19 characteristics eg. Character, intelligence, in how desirable in mate. Survey were translated into language and back using 3 translators peer checking.
Results: females wanted 'good financial prospect' . Supports evolutionary explanation of attraction because females try to maximize the survival of their children. Males valued 'physical attractiveness'. Support evolution that men want good fertility. Males wanted younger females ; means more fertile. Females wanted older Males, more maturity or experience.
Conclusion: Preference were consistent across cultures and fit well into the evolutionary explanation of attraction. Females seek resources. Males look for fertile.
Other topics: Formation of relationships
Animal research
Harlow exp 1
Nickname: Hungry but warm
Aim: To investigate the role of contact comfort in attachment in baby rhesus monkeys
Procedure: Artificial surrogate monkey mother was built, one with a cloth and warm light bulb, other wire mess but provided milk. Baby was placed in a cage to choose. Measured time with mothers.
Results: Preferred to spend time with cloth mother even if it doesn't provide food. Will spend time with wire mother to get food but spends rest of time with cloth.
Conclusion: Touch is more important than basic needs. 'Contact comfort'
Other topics: Formation of relationships
Harlow exp 2
Nickname: Don't hug me I’m scared
Aim: To investigate how the presence of the mother affects the baby monkey to explore.
Procedure: Baby monkey were placed in a room with multiple objects to play with. Important to interact to develop cognitively. Either alone, with wire mother or cloth mother.
Results: Cloth mother was used as a 'secure base'. Baby would explore then rush back to mother to cloth her. Other conditions more anxious, some would cry and scream.
Conclusion: Mother provides an environment that the baby monkey feels safe to explore. Comfort.
Other topics: Formation of relationships
Cases et al(1995)
Nickname: Aggressive mice
Aim: To investigate the genetic origins of aggression
Procedure: Used transgenic mice where the gene that regulates the production of MAOA(breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine) was gone.
Results: High levels of serotonin and norepinephrine were found in offspring. Also, high levels of aggression
Conclusion: MAOA has an effect on aggression levels.
Other topics: Genetics
Merzenich et al (1984)
Nickname: Monkey fingers
Aim: To investigate how the sensory cortex responsible for the hand respond to injury. 8 adult owl monkeys
Procedure: Mapped area of cortex to finger by EEF. Finger were amputated. 2 months later, remapping.
Results: 5 distinct areas for each area. Unused are now was 'occupied' by adjacent fingers' areas.
Conclusion: Sensory cortex of adult owl monkey adopts to injury by cortical remapping.
Other topics: Neuroplasticity
Rogers and Kesner (2003)
Nickname: Rats in maze
Aim: To determine the role of acetylcholine in the formation of spatial memory.
Procedure: Rats were accustomed to a maze. Either injected with scopolamine (blocks receptor sites) or placebo 10 mins before running the maze.
Results: Scopolamine grp took longer and made more mistakes in learning the maze. -> higher mistakes made on last 5 trials of Day 1. No effect on retrieval of memories.
Conclusion: Acetylcholine plays an important role in the encoding of spatial memories.
Other topics: Neurotransmitter
Ferguson et al(2000)
Nickname: Sniffing rat butts
Aim: To investigate the role of oxytocin in social memory in rodents
Procedure: oxytocin gene knockout mice was introduced to a female mouse into the cage for a min. Repeated four times then on firth, another mice was used. Olfactory investigation - amount of time spent in nasal contact was observed.
Results: Normal genotype had reduced time as the more the female entered. Knockout had same times.
Conclusion: Oxytocin is necessary for the development of social memory in mice. It plays a role in recognizing familiar members of the same species. Applicable to autism.
Other topics: Neurotransmitter, Genetics
Localization
Sperry(1968)
Nickname: Split brain
Aim: Is functions localized to different hemispheres? (lateralization) 4 patients who had their corpus callous cut(the part which connects the left and right hemispheres)
Procedure: Sat in front of a screen. Word is flashed to right hemisphere. Asked to pick object.
Results: Can’t say the name of object, because left does not know. 'he' +'art'; would say 'art' but point to 'he'
Conclusion: Localization of language is not strictly in the left hemisphere. But production and comprehension is mostly localized in left while right has some ability.
Danelli et al(2013)
Nickname: EB
Aim:
Procedure: Case study
Results: At 2.5 years, most of the right hemisphere was removed, language skills recovered in 2 years. fMRI scans showed that when doing metalinguistic tasks similar to those observed in normal's left.
Conclusion: Evaluation: cannot be generalized to other people or parts. Was at young age, adaptable no different ages.
Neuroplasticity
Draganski et al (2004)
Nickname: Juggling
Aim: To investigate whether structural changes in the brain would occur in response to practicing a juggling routine
Procedure: 3 MRIs: before start of juggling, 3 months after start of learning, 3 months after stopping
Results: significantly more grey matter in mid-temporal (coordination). After stopping, it decreased.
Conclusion: Grey matter grows in response to learning and shrinks when lack of stimulation. Cause-and effect
Draganski et al (2006)
Nickname: Med students
Aim: To investigate how brain structure responds in term of learning 38 med student, 12 control
Procedure: 3 MRId: before exam, 1st day after, 3 months after
Results: Increase grey matter in parietal cortex; did not decrease by 3rd scan. Hippocampus continues to grow after (contradicts) = increase > decrease as stress is gone
Conclusion: stress causes decrease in hippocampus grey matter. Increase grey matter in response to learning (new memories)
Maguire et al (2000)
Nickname: Taxi drivers
Aim: To investigate how the brain structure of London Taxi drivers is different than non-drivers. 16 taxi drivers.
Procedure: Quasi-experiment: MRI scans on Taxi drivers of different experiences and compared to records of non-drivers.
Results: Taxi: increase grey matter in posterior hippocampus (memory) Control: increase grey matter in anterior hippocampus (learning). More years = greater increase posterior and decrease anterior
Conclusion: Redistribution of grey matter
Merzenich et al (1984)
Nickname: Monkey fingers
Aim: To investigate how the sensory cortex responsible for the hand respond to injury. 8 adult owl monkeys
Procedure: Mapped area of cortex to each finger by EEG. Finger were amputated. 2 months later, remapping.
Results: 5 distinct areas for each finger. Unused are now was 'occupied' by adjacent fingers' areas.
Conclusion: Sensory cortex of adult owl monkey adopts to injury by cortical remapping.
Other topics: Animal research
Neurotransmitter
Rogers and Kesner (2003)
Nickname: Rats in maze
Aim: To determine the role of acetylcholine in the formation of spatial memory.
Procedure: Rats were accustomed to a maze. Either injected with scopolamine (blocks receptor sites) or placebo 10 mins before running the maze. Encoding of memory was assessed by the avg. amount of errors made on first five trials of Day 1 compared to last 5 trials of Day 1. Retrieval of memory was assessed by avg. number of errors made on the first five trials of Day 2 compared to last 5 of Day 1.
Results: Scopolamine grp took longer and made more mistakes in learning the maze. Higher mistakes made on last 5 trials of Day 1. No effect on retrieval of memories.
Conclusion: Acetylcholine plays an important role in the encoding of spatial memories.
Other topics: Animal Research
Fisher et al (2005)
Nickname: Fishing for photos
Aim: To investigate neural mechanisms of romantic love
Procedure: Conducted a semi-structured interview to establish the duration and intensity of participants' feeling. Completed Likert scale questionnaire that measured traits related to love. fMRI: looked at photo for 30s then neutral photo,6 times. Compared brain responses of loved one to neutral person.
Results: Specific pattern of activation in the brain in response to photo of loved ones.
Activation was prominent in dopamine-rich brain areas. More passionate = more active the reward system
Conclusion: Dopaminergic activity plays a role in feelings of romantic love.
Other topics: Formation of relationship
Hormone
McGaugh and Cahill (1995)
Nickname: Emotional slides
Aim: To study the role of emotion on the creation of memories.
Procedure: Participants saw 12 slides which were told with a story: either mother and son going to hospital to see father or boy involved with car accident and went to surgery. 2 weeks later, tested on specific memories, MCQ
Results: Original: more emotionally arousing story had better recall of specific details of the story and slides. Follow up: beta-blockers group did no better than the group that heard the boring story.
Conclusion: Amygdala plays a significant role in the creation of memories linked to emotional arousal.
Other topics: Flashbulb memory
+ve
-ve
· Multiple choice question so can guess answer
· Slideshow – may not be ecologically valid
· They could have written it down afterwards
Ronay and von Hippel(2010)
Nickname: Skateboarder
Aim: To determine if men would take greater risks in the presence of an attractive female. If testosterone played a role in this behaviour
Procedure: Participants were asked to do one easy trick and one difficult trick which they did 10 times each. Did it again but in front of the same male researcher or an attractive female(attractiveness of female based on 20 males rating photo). Coded for success, crash landing or aborted attempt. Also, saliva samples were tested for testosterone + HR before and throughout
Results: Greater risk on difficult tricks in presence of the female researcher. Aborted fewer times. Testosterone levels were higher for female. No diff in HR.
Conclusion: Testosterone may have played a role in facilitating the risk-taking behaviour of the men.
Other topics: Formation of relationship
Ferguson et al(2000)
Nickname: Sniffing rat butts
Aim: To investigate the role of oxytocin in social memory in rodents
Procedure: oxytocin gene knockout mice was introduced to a female mouse into the cage for a min. Repeated four times then on firth, another mice was used. Olfactory investigation - amount of time spent in nasal contact was observed.
Results: Normal genotype had reduced time as the more the female entered. Knockout had same times.
Conclusion: Oxytocin is necessary for the development of social memory in mice. It plays a role in recognizing familiar members of the same species. Applicable to autism.
Other topics: Animal research, Genetics
Newcomer et al (1999)
Nickname: Cortisol
Aim: To investigate whether high levels of cortisol interfere with verbal declarative memory.
Procedure: Participants were matched for age and gender. Condition: High level of cortisol, low level or placebo. Asked to listen and recall parts of a prose paragraph. Tested their verbal declarative memory over a period of 4 days.
Results: Low dose of cortisol was good in the short term. High dose had the worse results. Long term, placebo did the best, then low dose, and high dose did even worse.
Conclusion:
Ditzen et al(2009)
Nickname: Arguing couples
Aim: To investigate the possible role of oxytocin in how couples discuss a contentious issue
Procedure: Each couple received either oxytocin or placebo nasally. Videotaped as they engaged in a discussion which will lead to an argument. Level of cortisol in saliva was measured.
Results: Oxytocin improved communication and lowered cortisol.
Conclusion: Oxytocin may regulate the stress response by suppressing activity of the amygdala
Other topics: Formation of relationship
De Dreu et al(2012)
Nickname: Oxytocin is not a friend
Aim: To investigate how oxytocin affects cooperation
Procedure: Modified version of the prisoner's dilemma game
Results: After taking oxytocin, participants were more likely to pre-emptively compete with other groups out of fear that other would start first. Oxytocin engaged defense mood
Conclusion: Oxytocin increases cooperation with in-group and increases competition with out-group
Other topics: Cooperation
Genetic research
Kendler et al (2015)
Nickname: Adopted siblings
Aim: Does the type of parent have an effect on intelligence in adopted and non-adoptive siblings.
Procedure: Identified and studied male sibling sets where one of the members was reared by adoptive parents. IQ scores and educational attainment of biological and adoptive parents were taken by a Swedish database.
Results: Modest correlation (r=0.18). Mean educational level of the adoptive parents was higher than biological parents. Adopted kids showed higher intelligence. Best: from smart family to smart family.
Conclusion:
Bouchard and McGue(1981)
Nickname: Twins study
Aim: To estimate heritability of IQ
Procedure: Meta-analysis of 111 twin studies that were about heritability of intelligence.
Results: Correlations of IQ scores tend to be higher for monozygotic twins that for dizygotic twins.
Conclusion: Intelligence is inherited to a considerable extent. Environment still has a role
Cases et al(1995)
Nickname: Aggressive mice
Aim: To investigate the genetic origins of aggression
Procedure: Used transgenic mice where the gene that regulates the production of MAOA(breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine) was gone.
Results: High levels of serotonin and norepinephrine were found in offspring. Also, high levels of aggression.
Conclusion: MAOA has an effect on aggression levels.
Other topics: Animal researcher
Capsi et al(2002)
Nickname: Angry NZ kids
Aim: To investigate the genetic origins of aggression, especially gene-environment interaction.
Procedure: Longitudinal 26 years on 442 boys. Looked at genotype, gene that controls the production of MAOA enzyme. Looked at if gene had effect on level of aggression in children but if environmental stressors interact with gene.
Results: by age of 11, 36% of the children had by maltreated, eg. Rejected by mother, physical or sexual abuse. They had MAOA gene that resulted in low level of enzyme production, more likely to bully others, have aggressive and anti-social behaviour. Were abused but no gene same had same aggression level as not abused.
Conclusion: Supports the theory on genetic influence in aggressive behaviour
Ferguson et al(2000)
Nickname: Sniffing rat butts
Aim: To investigate the role of oxytocin in social memory in rodents
Procedure: oxytocin gene knockout mice was introduced to a female mouse into the cage for a min. Repeated four times then on firth, another mice was used. Olfactory investigation - amount of time spent in nasal contact was observed.
Results: Normal genotype had reduced time as the more the female entered. Knockout had same times.
Conclusion: Oxytocin is necessary for the development of social memory in mice. It plays a role in recognizing familiar members of the same species. Applicable to autism.
Other topics: Animal research, hormones
Wedekind (1995)
Nickname: T shirt
Nickname: T shirt
Aim: To figure out if males’ Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC, immune gene) affect mate choice in female
Procedure: Participants was typed for their MHC. Males were asked to wear a T-shirt for 2 night. No perfume soap, smoking, drinking, sex. Asked females to rank the smell of 7 shirts kept in a cardboard box in a room for intensity and pleasantness alone. 3/7 boxes with MHC similar.
Results: More pleasant with dissimilar own genes. Odours of dissimilar reminded the women more often of their actual or former mates.
Conclusion: MHC or linked genes influence human mate choice.
Other topics: Formation of relationship, pheromones
+ve
· Replicated successfully
· Other studies on MHC also supports the conclusion
· Double blinds – no demand characteristics
-ve
· Reductionist
· Sample bias
· There was over sensitizing of nose and odour is stronger than usual
Pheromones
Wedekind (1995)
Nickname: T shirt
Aim: To figure out if males’ Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC, immune gene) affect mate choice in female
Procedure: Participants was typed for their MHC. Males were asked to wear a T-shirt for 2 night. No perfume soap, smoking, drinking, sex. Asked females to rank the smell of 7 shirts kept in a cardboard box in a room for intensity and pleasantness alone. 3/7 boxes with MHC similar.
Results: More pleasant with dissimilar own genes. Odours of dissimilar reminded the women more often of their actual or former mates.
Conclusion: MHC or linked genes influence human mate choice.
Other topics: Formation of relationships, genetics
+ve
· Replicated successfully
· Other studies on MHC also supports the conclusion
· Double blinds – no demand characteristics
-ve
· Reductionist
· Sample bias
· There was over sensitizing of nose and odour is stronger than usual
Zhou et al (2014)
Nickname: Urine affects gender identity?
Aim: To see if androstadienone(M) and estratetraenol(F) influenced sexual behaviour
Procedure: Asked to watch stick figures walk and determine their gender while being exposed to cloves with androstadienone(M), estratetraenol(F)or none.
Results: Androstadienone, straight females and gay males viewed the stick as more masculine and vice versa.
Conclusion: The corresponding pheromone has an effect of sexual behaviour
Other topics: Formation of relationships
+ve
-ve
· Reductionist
· Exposed to high levels of pheromones. Not naturalistic
· Tested if participants perceived a person’s walk as feminine or masculine not really sexual behaviour
Evolution
Curtis, Aunger and Rabie(2004)
Nickname: Disgust
Aim: To test if disgust is stronger with stimuli associated with disease, whether cross-cultural, more pronounced in females as have to protect themselves and babies, get weaker as get older
Procedure: Online survey with 77,000 from 165 countries on the BBC science website. Asked about demographic. Rate 20 photographs for disgust on 105.
Results: Rating of disgust was higher for disease associated. Consistent across culture. Higher results in females.
Conclusion: Disgust is a biologically based response to disease stimuli to reduce risk of catching diseases.
Fessler(2006)
Nickname: Pregnant morning sickness
Aim: To investigate whether disgust helps to compensate for the suppressed immune system
Procedure: pregnant women were asked about their morning sickness level then asked to rank 32 potentially disgusting scenarios.
Results: Women in 1st trimester ranked more sensitive to disgust than 2nd and 3rd trimester women. After controlled, responded to food-borne scenarios. Avoid bad food that could harm baby.
Conclusion: Disgust allowed our ancestors to survive longer enough to produce offspring
Buss(1989)
Nickname: Pre- programmed love
Aim: To investigate cross-cultural similarities and diff in mate preferences in males and females.
Procedure: 37 samples, over 10,000 participants. Survey from 33 countries. Asked preferred age to get married, desired age diff, number of children. Rate 19 characteristics eg. Character, intelligence, in how desirable in mate. Survey were translated into language and back using 3 translators peer checking.
Results: females wanted 'good financial prospect' . Supports evolutionary explanation of attraction because females try to maximize the survival of their children. Males valued 'physical attractiveness'. Support evolution that men want good fertility. Males wanted younger females ; means more fertile. Females wanted older Males, more maturity or experience.
Conclusion: Preference were consistent across cultures and fit well into the evolutionary explanation of attraction. Females seek resources. Males look for fertile.
Other topics: Formation of relationships
Animal research
Harlow exp 1
Nickname: Hungry but warm
Aim: To investigate the role of contact comfort in attachment in baby rhesus monkeys
Procedure: Artificial surrogate monkey mother was built, one with a cloth and warm light bulb, other wire mess but provided milk. Baby was placed in a cage to choose. Measured time with mothers.
Results: Preferred to spend time with cloth mother even if it doesn't provide food. Will spend time with wire mother to get food but spends rest of time with cloth.
Conclusion: Touch is more important than basic needs. 'Contact comfort'
Other topics: Formation of relationships
Harlow exp 2
Nickname: Don't hug me I’m scared
Aim: To investigate how the presence of the mother affects the baby monkey to explore.
Procedure: Baby monkey were placed in a room with multiple objects to play with. Important to interact to develop cognitively. Either alone, with wire mother or cloth mother.
Results: Cloth mother was used as a 'secure base'. Baby would explore then rush back to mother to cloth her. Other conditions more anxious, some would cry and scream.
Conclusion: Mother provides an environment that the baby monkey feels safe to explore. Comfort.
Other topics: Formation of relationships
Cases et al(1995)
Nickname: Aggressive mice
Aim: To investigate the genetic origins of aggression
Procedure: Used transgenic mice where the gene that regulates the production of MAOA(breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine) was gone.
Results: High levels of serotonin and norepinephrine were found in offspring. Also, high levels of aggression
Conclusion: MAOA has an effect on aggression levels.
Other topics: Genetics
Merzenich et al (1984)
Nickname: Monkey fingers
Aim: To investigate how the sensory cortex responsible for the hand respond to injury. 8 adult owl monkeys
Procedure: Mapped area of cortex to finger by EEF. Finger were amputated. 2 months later, remapping.
Results: 5 distinct areas for each area. Unused are now was 'occupied' by adjacent fingers' areas.
Conclusion: Sensory cortex of adult owl monkey adopts to injury by cortical remapping.
Other topics: Neuroplasticity
Rogers and Kesner (2003)
Nickname: Rats in maze
Aim: To determine the role of acetylcholine in the formation of spatial memory.
Procedure: Rats were accustomed to a maze. Either injected with scopolamine (blocks receptor sites) or placebo 10 mins before running the maze.
Results: Scopolamine grp took longer and made more mistakes in learning the maze. -> higher mistakes made on last 5 trials of Day 1. No effect on retrieval of memories.
Conclusion: Acetylcholine plays an important role in the encoding of spatial memories.
Other topics: Neurotransmitter
Ferguson et al(2000)
Nickname: Sniffing rat butts
Aim: To investigate the role of oxytocin in social memory in rodents
Procedure: oxytocin gene knockout mice was introduced to a female mouse into the cage for a min. Repeated four times then on firth, another mice was used. Olfactory investigation - amount of time spent in nasal contact was observed.
Results: Normal genotype had reduced time as the more the female entered. Knockout had same times.
Conclusion: Oxytocin is necessary for the development of social memory in mice. It plays a role in recognizing familiar members of the same species. Applicable to autism.
Other topics: Neurotransmitter, Genetics
Information is mostly complied from:
Popov, Alexey. Psychology: for the IB Diploma. 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 2018.
Crane, John. “IB Psychology.” ThinkIB Student Pages, www.student.thinkib.net/psychology?lg=8007.
Photo: Hewings-Martin, Yella. “Telomeres: What Causes Biological Aging?” Medicalnewstoday, 7 Aug. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318764.
Popov, Alexey. Psychology: for the IB Diploma. 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 2018.
Crane, John. “IB Psychology.” ThinkIB Student Pages, www.student.thinkib.net/psychology?lg=8007.
Photo: Hewings-Martin, Yella. “Telomeres: What Causes Biological Aging?” Medicalnewstoday, 7 Aug. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318764.