IB Psych HL Studies

Techniques used to study the brain

Maguire (taxi drivers) conducted an MRI study that found structural differences in the hippocampus of taxi drivers due to their extensive navigation experience.

Localization

Maguire (taxi drivers) studied how the hippocampus is involved in spatial memory and navigation.

Neuroplasticity

Maguire (taxi drivers) found that the hippocampus can change in response to experience and training, demonstrating how the brain can adapt structurally over time.

Neurotransmission

Antanova (scopolamine) investigated the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine on memory by using scopolamine to block its receptors, revealing changes in cognitive performance.

Hormones role in behavior

De Dreu (oxytocin on dutch people) examined how oxytocin influences social behaviors, such as trust and empathy, particularly in dutch men.

Pheremones on behavior

Wedekind (t shirt) investigated the impact of pheromones on attraction through a study where women rated the scents of men wearing t-shirts, suggesting a connection between chemical signals and mate preferences.

Gene inheritance on behavior

Bouchard and McGue (IQ with twins) studied the heritability of intelligence by comparing IQ scores of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, demonstrating the influence of genetics on cognitive abilities.

Evolutionary explanations

Fessler (disgust in pregnancy) investigated the role of disgust in pregnant women, finding that heightened disgust responses helped protect them and their fetuses from harmful substances, highlighting an evolutionary adaptation.

Genetic similarity

Bouchard and McGue(twin study) explored the correlation of genetic similarity with intelligence by examining IQ scores of both monozygotic and dizygotic twins, reinforcing the role of genetics in cognitive traits.

Schema Theory

Brewer and Treyens (office schema) examined how memory is influenced by schemas by having participants recall objects from an office setting. The study revealed that participants remembered schema-consistent items better than inconsistent ones, highlighting the role of cognitive frameworks in memory.

Multi-store memory model

HM demonstrated the distinction between short-term and long-term memory systems. His case study highlighted how his ability to form new memories was impaired while his old memories remained intact, supporting the multi-store memory model.

Thinking and Decision Making

Albarracin (condom use) investigated how attitudes influence behavior, showing that positive attitudes towards condom use increased the likelihood of individuals using them. This study emphasizes the connection between cognitive processes and decision-making in health behaviors.

Working Memory Model

Conrad and Hull (rhyming and non rhyming letters) explored the capacity of working memory by comparing the recall of similar-sounding and dissimilar-sounding letters. Their findings indicated that phonological similarity affects memory performance, supporting the multi-component structure of working memory.

Reconstructive memory

Loftus and Palmer (car accident verbs) examined how the wording of questions can influence eyewitness memory recall. Their research demonstrated that misleading information can alter an individual's recollection of an event.

Cognitive biases

Festinger (cult beliefs) studied cognitive dissonance in followers of a doomsday cult. His work illustrated how individuals rationalize contradictory beliefs to alleviate discomfort, revealing the impact of cognitive biases on belief maintenance.

Flashbulb memory

Sharon (9/11 flashbulb memory) investigated how vivid, detailed memories are formed during significant and emotionally charged events. Her study showed that people can recall specific details about their experiences during such events, emphasizing the lasting impact of emotional significance on memory.

Social identity theory

Bagby and Rector (jurors) explored how juror decision-making is influenced by group identity. Their research highlighted the role of social identity in shaping perceptions of evidence and judgment during trials.

Tajfel (painting ratings) investigated how group membership affects the evaluation of others and how individuals favor their in-group over out-groups, demonstrating the psychological basis of intergroup discrimination.

Social Cognitive Theory

Bandura (Bobo doll) examined how observational learning influences behavior in children. His study demonstrated that children who observed aggressive behavior towards a Bobo doll were more likely to imitate that behavior, illustrating the impact of role models and reinforcement on learning.

Kimball (TV and gender stereotyping) examined how exposure to television content affects children's perceptions of gender roles. Her research indicated that increased viewing of stereotypical gender portrayals can lead to stronger adherence to traditional gender stereotypes among young viewers.

Stereotyping

Hamilton and Gifford (formation) investigated how stereotypes are formed and maintained through social categorization. Their study revealed that minority group members are often perceived less favorably due to cognitive biases in interpreting ambiguous behaviors.

Steele and Aronson (stereotype threat) examined how awareness of negative stereotypes about one's social group can impair performance on tasks. Their findings demonstrated that stereotype threat can lead to anxiety and reduced self-efficacy, affecting academic outcomes.

Cultural Dimensions

Berry (lines test) studied how cultural differences affect individual behavior in decision-making. His research emphasized the impact of collectivism versus individualism on conformity and social pressure.

Finkelstein (prosocial behavior) explored how cultural context influences altruistic behaviors, showing that individuals from collectivist cultures are more likely to engage in prosocial acts compared to those from individualistic cultures.

Enculturation

Martin and Halverson (gender schema pics) investigated how children develop gender-related behaviors through exposure to cultural norms. Their study showed that children actively interpret and remember information in ways that reinforce their existing gender schemas.

Fagot (parents role in schema) examined how parental behaviors contribute to children's gender role development, finding that parents often reinforce traditional gender norms through their interactions and expectations.

Acculturation

Miranda and Matheny (Latino immigrants) studied how Latino immigrants adapt to a new culture and how this adaptation affects their mental health. Their findings indicated that successful integration is linked to better psychological well-being and protective factors were English proficiency, effective coping skills and a strong family structure.

Lueck and Wilson (asian immigrants) also investigated the factors influencing acculturation among Asian immigrants, finding that bilingualism and positive relations with the host culture promote better adaptation and mental health outcomes.

Local and global influences of behavior

Buchan (global culture) examined how global cultural factors shape individual behaviors and social interactions, showing that local customs can modify global trends. His research highlighted that higher identification with a global behavior affects sharing behavior, without an expectation of how much other participants were contributing.

Hamburger Kolleg (global networks) studied the impact of global networks on local behaviors, indicating that cultural exchanges through these networks can influence attitudes and practices, leading to a blending of local and global influences.

Cultural origins of behaviors

Becker (TV and eating disorders in Fiji) examined the impact of Western media on eating behaviors among Fijian girls, finding that exposure to television led to an increase in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns. This study highlighted how cultural influences can shape perceptions of beauty and body image.

Norasakkunkit and Uchida (hikikomori) investigated the phenomenon of hikikomori, where individuals in Japan withdraw from social life due to cultural pressures. Their findings suggest that societal expectations regarding success and conformity can lead to severe social withdrawal and mental health issues.

Biological etiology of major depressive disorder

Kendler (genetics in men and women) explored the genetic factors contributing to major depressive disorder, revealing that both genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors play significant roles in its development. His research emphasized the importance of understanding these biological underpinnings in treating depression.

Caspi (allele lengths) examined how variations in the 5-HTT gene allele lengths are linked to depression, indicating that individuals with shorter alleles may have a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, particularly in response to stress.

Cognitive etiology of MDD

Nolen Hoekema (rumination) investigated the role of rumination in the onset and maintenance of major depressive disorder, finding that individuals who engage in repetitive negative thinking are at a greater risk for experiencing depressive episodes.

Joiner (depressive thinking patterns) stated that cognitive factors, such as hopelessness and negative self-appraisal, contribute to the development and persistence of major depressive disorder.

Sociocultural etiology of MDD

Tabassum (Pakistani culture) examined how cultural norms in Pakistan regarding masculinity and emotional expression impact the prevalence and expression of major depressive disorder. The study indicated that societal stigmas surrounding mental health can prevent individuals from seeking help.

Brown and Harris (south London women) explored the relationship between social factors and depression in women, finding that life events, social support, and social class significantly influence the onset of major depressive disorder.

cognitive development theory

Li (bottle of water and Piaget’s theory) explored cognitive development through stages as outlined by Piaget, illustrating how children's thinking evolves from concrete to abstract reasoning. This study highlights the role of environmental interaction in cognitive growth.

Hughes (police drawing and egocentrism) investigated children's egocentrism using a police drawing task, demonstrating that younger children struggle to see perspectives different from their own. This research underscores the developmental transition in understanding others' viewpoints.

Brain development

Chugani (Romanian adoption) studied brain development in Romanian orphans, finding that early deprivation of social and emotional care significantly impacts brain structure and function, leading to cognitive and emotional deficits.

Giedd (brain anatomy throughout adolescence) examined brain anatomy changes during adolescence, revealing significant growth in the prefrontal cortex and other regions associated with cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and decision-making.

Social cognitive theory

Nichols (collaborative learning) examined how social interactions enhance learning processes and influence behavior in educational settings. The study emphasized the role of observational learning and peer collaboration in the development of skills and knowledge, as well as how they were able to use language to turn interpersonal learning into intrapersonal learning.

Leontyiev (memory as a higher function with pre schoolers, school age children and adults) investigated how memory functions differ across age groups, highlighting the development of memory strategies and their relation to social experiences. This research illustrates the importance of the Zone of Proximal Development as children with the use of memory cards were able to have the same level of memory as adults.