Antonova et al (2011)

Explain the use of one research method in one study using the biological approach to understanding human behaviour. Antonova (Lab experiment. Double-blind experiment) Explain the role of one neurotransmitter in human behaviour, making use of one study. Antonova (Acetylcholine in the parasympathetic + preganglionic neurons) Explain one ethical consideration relevant to one study using a biological approach to understanding human behaviour. Antonova (Protection from harm. The injection of scopolamine could have harmed participants as it has demonstrably negative effects)

Scopolamine

an antagonist which blocks acetylcholine receptor sites. This decreases the availability of acetylcholine which assists in encoding of memories and learning.

Acetylcholine

In the autonomic nervous system, acetylcholine (ACh) is the neurotransmitter in the preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons.

Aim

To determine how blocking the acetylcholine receptors with scopolamine affects spatial memory.

Participants

20 healthy male adults.

Procedure

Double-blind. 2 conditions. Injected with either scopolamine or a placebo 70-90 minutes before the experimental task. Participants were put into an fMRI scan while playing an "Arena task". Participants were first trained in the game so they knew the rules. After training, the participants' brain activity was measured for 6 trials. Participants returned 3-4 weeks later and redid the test with the opposite treatment to the original study.

Arena Task

The Arena Task is a complex virtual reality game, the goal is to navigate around an "arena" to reach a pole. After learning where the pole is, the screen goes blank for 30 s. During that time, participants were asked to rehearse how to get to the pole in the arena. When the arena reappeared, the participant was at a new starting point. Had to use spatial memory to determine how to get to the location of the pole

Results

The researchers found that when participants were injected with scopolamine, they demonstrated a significant reduction in the activation of the hippocampus compared to when they received a placebo. This suggests that scopolamine impairs memorization of new information by decreasing spiking activity within the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Evaluation

1. Double blind - info about the test is masked from the participant to eliminate bias until after a trial outcome is known

2. Small sample size

3. Lab experiment may have affected stress of participants which may have affected brain image results