Biological Approach

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the Biological Approach, major studies including Dement and Kleitman, Hassett et al, and Hölzel et al, exploring themes of behavior, sleep, socialization, and mindfulness.

Biological Approach

A perspective in psychology that focuses on the influence of biological factors such as brain processes, hormones, and genetics on behavior, cognition, and emotions.

Main Assumptions

1. Behavior, cognitions, and emotions can be explained through biological processes. 2. Similarities and differences in people are understood through biological interactions.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate on whether genetic or environmental factors have a greater influence on behavior.

Reductionism

Simplifies complex human behavior into biological components, but may ignore social, cognitive, and cultural factors. It focuses on understanding behavior by analyzing its biological basis.

Holism

An approach that considers the whole system rather than individual parts.

Determinism

The belief that behavior is predetermined by biological factors, limiting free will.

Dement and Kleitman

Researchers who studied sleep and dreams, focusing on REM and NREM stages.

Sleep Study Sample

Involved 9 participants (7 males, 2 females), exploring dream recall in different sleep stages.

AIM 1 of Dement and Kleitman

Determine if dream recall differs between REM and NREM sleep.

AIM 2 of Dement and Kleitman

Assess the correlation between estimated dream duration and actual REM sleep duration.

AIM 3 of Dement and Kleitman

Investigate if eye movements correlate with dream content.

Procedure 1 of Dement and Kleitman

Participants reported their dream content upon being woken from REM sleep using EEG.

Procedure 2 of Dement and Kleitman

Participants estimated dream duration during REM sleep, compared to word counts.

Key Finding: Dreaming

Dreaming occurred significantly more often during REM sleep compared to NREM sleep.

Key Finding: Dream Recall

Participants recalled vivid dreams more frequently when awakened from REM than from NREM.

Application of Dement and Kleitman’s Findings

Research on sleep disorders, circadian rhythms, and strategies for improving sleep quality.

Strengths of Dement and Kleitman’s Study

Controlled lab settings increased internal validity; ethical strength with informed consent.

Weaknesses of Dement and Kleitman’s Study

Small sample size limited generalizability; ethical concerns about sleep deprivation.

Hassett et al Primary Question

Whether socialization or biological sex differences account for toy preferences in children.

Biological Sex

The physical characteristics that define male and female organisms based on chromosomes.

Gender

Socially constructed roles and behaviors that society considers appropriate for men and women.

Socialization

The process by which children learn societal norms and values, influencing behavior and preferences.

Stereotype

A generalized belief or expectation about particular groups.

Animal Play

Repetitive and voluntary activities done by animals, aiding in skill development for survival.

Hassett et al Aim

To test if children's toy preferences stem from biological factors rather than socialization.

Research Method of Hassett et al

Field experiment involving controlled behavioral observations and checklist analyses.

Independent Measures Design

A research design where different participants are assigned to different conditions.

IV in Hassett et al Study

Sex of the monkeys (male or female).

DV in Hassett et al Study

Interaction frequency and duration with toys.

Sample Size in Hassett et al Study

Initial 135 monkeys, 82 in the final analysis after excluding young or previously studied monkeys.

Procedure Details of Hassett et al

Monkeys observed in trials with pairs of toys to assess preferences.

Data Collection in Hassett et al

Video recordings of interactions analyzed by observers using behavioral checklists.

Results: Male Monkeys

Preferred wheeled toys, with longer playtime compared to female monkeys.

Results: Female Monkeys

Favored plush toys, though no significant difference in playtime with either type.

Sex-Typed Preferences

Behaviors observed in monkeys suggest biological basis for gendered toy preferences.

Application of Hassett et al Findings

Informing debates on gender development from biological versus social learning perspectives.

Strengths of Hassett et al Study

Eliminates social conditioning variable by using animals, strengthening biological arguments.

Weaknesses of Hassett et al Study

Low ecological validity in applying monkey behavior to human gender development.

Hölzel et al AIM 1

Determine the neurological changes resulting from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Hölzel et al AIM 2

Identify specific brain structures affected by an 8-week MBSR program.

Sample Size of Hölzel et al Study

33 adults aged 25-55, with experimental and control groups participating in MBSR.

Procedure Before MBSR

MRI scans taken to assess brain structure and participants' mindfulness assessed using FFMQ.

MBSR Program Duration

Participants attended eight weekly sessions focusing on mindfulness practices.

Key Findings of Hölzel et al Study

Increased grey matter in regions associated with learning and emotional regulation after MBSR.

Application of Hölzel et al Findings

Shows how mindfulness practice can enhance mental health and self-regulation.

Strengths of Hölzel et al Study

Objective MRI data enhance study credibility and reduce bias.

Weaknesses of Hölzel et al Study

·        Absence of correlations between increased grey matter in brain regions and the amount of mindfulness homework completed or changes in FFMQ scores.

·        Ethical weakness: two participants left the study after the first MRI scan because they found the procedure uncomfortable, posing psychological harm.