studies for ib pysch exam

Maguire

• use for localization of function, neuroplasticity and techniques for studying the brain

• aim: how learning spatial info impacted parts of the brain that may be responsible for memory retention

• method: MRIs (observe gray matter)

• results: drivers (compared to learners) had a bigger hippocampus

• conclusion: hippocamp = memory, MRIs + structure and neuroplasticity

Antonova

• use for neurotransmitters and behavior

• aim: how scopolamine affected hippocampal activity in creation of spatial memory

• method: fMRIs (changes in blood flow) and then a virtual game to test spatial memory

• results: scopolamine caused activation of hippoc to reduce

• conclusion: acetylcholine could play a key role in creation of spatial memories

Newcomer

• use for hormone

• aim:how does cortisol and stress affect memory

• method: received high, low, or placebo dose, cognitive test and plasma testing

• results: higher dosage + worse memory performance on tests

• conclusion: when paired w stress, high amounts of cortisol lower memory capability in healthy ppl

Wedekind

• use for pheromones

• aim: determine how MHC impacted attraction through pleasant and unpleasant odors

• method: men wore shirts > women during peak of period smelled similar MHC, opp, or unworn

• results: women rated scent of one w dissimilar MHC as more pleasant

• conclusion: opp MHC may cause attraction

Caspi

• use for genetics

• aim:determine whether there is evidence for a gene-environment interaction for a mutation for serotonin

• method: looked at a sample with 3 groups and checked in yearly - G1) 2 short alleles, G2) 1 short 1 long, G3) 2 long and asked them to fill out stressful event survey

• results: short allele = more symptoms of depression and suicide when paired with high levels of stress

• conclusion: inheriting the gene was not enough to lead to depression but interaction w stressful event would increase likelihood of developing depression

Buss

• aim: men look for fertile women, but women look for mates for their offspring

• method: survey asking to rank mate characteristics

• results: mates tended to choose younger mates - signals desire for fertility while females wanted higher social status that could lead to more resources to support their young

• conclusion: tentatively supports parental investment theory