Biological Approach, Hormones, Pheromones and Genetics

Flashcards based on lecture notes about biological approach, hormones, pheromones and genetics .

Hormones

Chemical messengers released by glands into the bloodstream.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers released by neurons.

Target cells

Cells with specific receptors for a hormone.

Amygdala

Brain region involved in emotional responses.

Newcomer et al (1999) Aim

To investigate the effect of cortisol on memory formation.

Newcomer et al (1999) Result

High cortisol impairs memory, even moderate levels may reduce performance over time.

McGaugh and Cahill (1995) Aim

To explore adrenaline's role in emotional memory.

McGaugh and Cahill (1995) Result

Participants who heard an emotionally arousing story recalled more details; blocking adrenaline interferes with this process.

McGaugh and Cahill (1995) Conclusion

Adrenaline and the amygdala play a critical role in the creation of emotional memories.

Pheromones

Chemical substances produced and released into the environment by animals, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of the same species.

Sex pheromones

Attract mates.

Alarm pheromones

Signal danger.

Trail pheromones

Navigation or food tracking.

VNO (vomeronasal organ)

In animals, detects pheromones and sends signals to the brain; its role in humans is debated.

Wedekind (1995) Aim

To investigate whether MHC affects mate choice through scent.

Wedekind (1995) Result

Women prefer men whose MHC genes were dissimilar to their own.

Wedekind (1995) Conclusion

Suggests that pheromones influence human mate choice.

Doucet et al (2009) Aim

To test if secretion from the areolar glands of lactating women affects infant behavior.

Doucet et al (2009) Result

Infants showed more sucking behavior in response to the areolar secretion compared to other control scents.

Doucet et al (2009) Conclusion

Suggests the presence of pheromones in maternal secretions that promotes infant feeding behavior.

Genes

Segments of DNA that carry information affecting traits and behavior.

Inheritance

Transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring.

Twin studies

Research comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins to estimate genetic influences on behavioral traits.

MZ twins

Identical twins sharing 100% of their DNA.

DZ twins

Fraternal twins sharing 50% of their DNA.

Kendler et al (2006) Aim

To investigate the role of genetics in major depression.

Kendler et al (2006) Result

MZ twins had higher concordance rates for depression than DZ twins.

Kendler et al (2006) Conclusion

Genetic similarity increases the likelihood of developing the same disorder, suggesting that depression can be inherited.

Capsi et al (2003) Aim

To study the interaction between the 5-HTT gene (linked to serotonin) and stressful life events in the development of depression.

Capsi et al (2003) Result

Participants with the short allele of 5-HTT who experienced more stress were more likely to develop depression.

Capsi et al (2003) Conclusion

Supports the Diathesis-stress model, showing that genetic vulnerability alone is not enough; environmental triggers are also necessary.

MHC genes

Major Histocompatibility Complex. Genes that affect the immune system.

Diathesis-stress model

A psychological theory that explains why some people develop mental disorders.

Concordance rate

The percentage of times both people in a pair share the same trait or disorder.

5-HTT gene

Gene linked to serotonin.

Beta-blocker (propranolol)

Blocks adrenaline and amygdala activation, impacts emotional memory.

Ecological Validity

The extent to which a study reflects real-world settings.

Internal Validity

The degree to which a study establishes a trustworthy cause-and-effect relationship between a treatment and an outcome.

Generalizability

The extent to which the results of a study can be applied to other populations.

Reliability

The consistency of a research study or measuring test.