IB Psychology - Biological Approach - First Topic Heading for LAQ Test

Localization Studies

Grafman et al. (1996) + Feinstein et al. (2011)

Neuroplasticity Studies

Maguire et al. (2000) + Draganski et al. (2004)

Neurotransmitter Studies

Passamonti et al. (2012) + Crockett et al. (2010)

Strict Localization

idea that there is a clear correspondence between psychological functions and brain areas, and that all functions can be clearly mapped onto the brain

Weak Localization

the idea that several brain areas are responsible for the same function, but only one of these areas is dominant

Amygdala

a small almond-shaped part of the brain found in the limbic system, in triggering fear

Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

located in the frontal lobe and is responsible for executive functions such as decision making, planning, self-regulation, and social behaviour

Neuroplasticity

refers to the brain's ability to adapt by forming new connections as a result of experience, learning, or following an injury

Neural Networks

when an activity is repeated, the brain is stimulated and neurons connect to one another

Neural Pruning

refers to a decrease in the number of neural connections

Brain imaging techniques

not classified as a research method, but as a tool to measure variables

MRI

when placed in an external magnetic field, some atomic nuclei (e.i. hydrogen) can emit energy. These pulses of energy can be detected and be used to produce a three-dimensional image of brain structure

A Neuron Cell Consists Of

the body (soma), dendrites, and axon

Synapse

when the axon of one neuron approaches a dendrite or soma of another neuron

Reuptake

when a neurotransmitter is pulled back into the axon that released it so that it can be used in the future

Examples of Neurotransmitters

dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine

Neurotransmitters

are chemical messengers that send messages along neural pathways

Aim of Feinstein et al. (2011)

Investigate the effect of the amygdala on behaviour.

Variables in Feinstein et al. (2011)

IV - lesions on amygdala &

DV - fear

Aim of Gazzaniga (1967)

Investigate if either half of the brain could function independently, and their abilities or lack thereof.

Variables in Gazzaniga (1967)

IV - left/right brain disconnection &

DV - brain function

Aim of Grafman et al. (1996)

Investigate the impact of brain injuries on aggressive behaviour.

Variables in Grafman et al. (1996)

IV - damage to prefrontal cortex &

DV - aggression

Aim of Maguire et al. (2000)

Investigate whether neuroplasticity occurs in London cab drivers, who must memorize thousands of street names, landmarks, restaurants, and hotels to earn a cab license.

Variables in Maguire et al. (2000)

IV - studying London maps &

DV - changes to brain structure - posterior of the hippocampus

Aim of Draganski et al. (2004)

Investigate whether structural changes in the brain would occur in response to practicing a simple juggling routine

Variables in Draganski et al. (2004)

IV - juggling &

DV - changes to brain structure - mid-temporal cortex

Aim of Crockett et al. (2010)

Investigate the effect of high levels of serotonin on prosocial behaviour when presented with the classic trolley problem.

Variables in Crockett et al. (2010)

IV - levels of serotonin &

DV - prosocial behaviour in ethical scenarios

Aim of Passamonti et al. (2012)

Investigate the effects of reduced levels of serotonin on activity in the prefrontal cortex

Variables in Passamonti et al. (2012)

IV - levels of serotonin &

DV - function of the PFC

Researcher Bias

the extent to which data collection may be influenced by the researcher.

Participant Bias

the extent to which behaviour is natural or altered to meet the aim of the study (demand characteristics)

Ecological validity

refers to the extent to which findings can be generalized from the experiment to other settings or situations.

Population validity

refers to the extent to which findings can be generalized from the sample to the target population.

Controlled variables

variables that are kept constant in order to avoid influencing the relationship between the IV and the DV.

Internal Validity

the extent to which cause and effect inferences can be made with certainty

Confounding variables

variables that can interfere in assessing the relationship between the IV and DV.

Replication

experiment is repeated and similar results are produced

Triangulation

the use of multiple methods or data sources to strengthen a conclusion. Typically performed in qualitative research to strengthen validity.