Psychology: All experiments done so far IB

Neuroplasticity

Draganski et al. (2004) - Longitudinal Study

Draganski et al. (2004) AMRC

A - To investigate whether learning a new skill (juggling) would affect the brain structure.

M - Longitudinal study using MRI scans before and after learning.

R - Increased grey matter in the mid-temporal area after juggling.

C - Learning new skills causes neuroplastic changes in the brain.

Draganski et al. (2004) Theory

The brain is malleable and can change structure in response to environmental demands (neuroplasticity).

Localisation

Patient HM - Case Study

Patient HM AMRC

A - To investigate the role of the hippocampus in memory formation.

M - Case study using MRI scans and cognitive testing.

R - Anterograde amnesia; could not form new long-term memories.

C - The hippocampus is essential for memory consolidation (localisation of function).

Patient HM Theory

Certain areas of the brain, like the hippocampus, are responsible for specific functions (localisation of function).

Brain Imaging

Maguire et al. (2000) - Quasi Experiment

Maguire et al. (2000) AMRC

A - To investigate whether taxi drivers have different hippocampi due to navigational experience.

M - MRI scans comparing London taxi drivers to non-drivers.

R - Increased grey matter volume in posterior hippocampus of taxi drivers.

C - Brain adapts to environmental demands; imaging can reveal structural changes.

Maguire et al. (2000) Theory

MRI technology shows how experience can change brain structure, supporting neuroplasticity and localisation.

Hormones

Newcomer et al. (1999) - True Experiment

Newcomer et al. (1999) AMRC

A - To investigate the effect of cortisol on verbal declarative memory.

M - Randomised controlled trial with varying cortisol doses.

R - High cortisol impaired memory performance.

C - Stress hormones like cortisol negatively affect memory.

Newcomer et al. (1999) Theory

Hormones like cortisol can influence cognitive functions like memory under stress.

Genetics

Caspi et al. (2003) - Longitudinal Study

Caspi et al. (2003) AMRC

A - To investigate the role of the 5-HTT gene in depression following stressful events.

M - Longitudinal study with genetic testing and life event interviews.

R - People with one or two short alleles of the gene more likely to develop depression.

C - Gene-environment interaction affects vulnerability to depression.

Caspi et al. (2003) Theory

Genetic predispositions influence behavior, but interaction with environment is key (diathesis-stress model).

Neurotransmission

Antonova et al. (2011) - True Experiment

Antonova et al. (2011) AMRC

A - To investigate the role of acetylcholine in spatial memory.

M - Double-blind experiment using scopolamine vs placebo and fMRI during a spatial task.

R - Scopolamine group had reduced activity in hippocampus.

C - Acetylcholine plays a role in encoding spatial memories.

Antonova et al. (2011) Theory

Neurotransmitters like acetylcholine play a key role in memory formation and function.

Classical Conditioning

Pavlov's Dogs + Little Albert - True Experiment

Pavlov's Dogs AMRC

A - To investigate if dogs could associate a neutral stimulus with food.

M - Dogs were conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell paired with food.

R - Dogs salivated to the bell alone.

C - Learning occurs through association between stimuli.

Pavlov's Dogs Theory

Classical conditioning explains learning through stimulus association — unconditioned and conditioned responses.

Little Albert AMRC

A - To investigate if fear could be conditioned in a child.

M - Baby exposed to a white rat paired with a loud noise.

R - Developed fear of rat and similar objects.

C - Emotional responses like fear can be classically conditioned.

Little Albert Theory

Classical conditioning applies to emotional learning; phobias can be learned through stimulus association.

Operant Conditioning

Skinner Box - True Experiment

Skinner Box AMRC

A - To investigate reinforcement in behavior.

M - Rats pressed levers in a box to receive food or avoid shocks.

R - Positive/negative reinforcement increased behavior.

C - Behavior is shaped through reinforcement and consequences.

Skinner Box Theory

Operant conditioning explains learning as a process of rewards and punishments shaping behavior.

Dual Process Model

Kahneman - Cognitive Model/Experiments

Kahneman AMRC

A - To explain two systems of thinking: fast (intuitive) and slow (analytical).

M - Various experiments including cognitive bias tasks.

R - People often rely on fast thinking, leading to errors.

C - Decision-making involves both intuitive and rational processing.

Kahneman Theory

Dual Process Model — System 1 (fast, emotional) and System 2 (slow, rational) thinking influence how we make decisions.