IB Psychology - Biological Approach + HL

Neuroplasticity Studies

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

Neural Pruning

refers to a decrease in the number of neural connections

Agonists

act by enhancing the action of neurotransmitters

Hormones and Behaviour Topic Heading

Hormones and Pheromones

Hormones and Behaviour Studies

Scheele et al. (2012) + Guastella et al. (2008)

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

stops the impulse, preventing it from crossing, producing a calming effect on the brain, decreasing the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential

Grafman et al. (1996)

Aim of the study was to investigate the impact of brain injuries on aggressive behaviour.

Guastella et al. (2008)

Aim of the study was to investigate the role of oxytocin in enhancing facial processing by increasing focus on the eye region of human faces.

Amygdala

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

Localization

theory that certain parts of the brain correspond to certain functions and reflects that behaviour, emotion, and thoughts originate in specific regions of the brain

Neurotransmitters

are chemical messengers that send messages along neural pathways

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

Neural Networks

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

Localization Studies

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

Wedekind et al. (1995)

Aim of the study was to Investigate the influence of MHC genes on females' ratings of attractiveness of male sweat odour. Dissimilar MHC in parents produces a stronger immune system in the offspring and may be encoded by body odour.

A Neuron Cell Consists Of

the body (soma), dendrites, and axon

Examples of Neurotransmitters

dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine

Reuptake

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

Pheromones and Behaviour Studies

Wedekind et al. (1995) + Lundstrom and Olsson (2005)

Feinstein et al. (2011)

Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the amygdala on behaviour.

Neuroplasticity

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

Pheromones

refers to chemical communication (such as fertility or sexual attractiveness) from one member of a species to another

Scheele et al. (2012)

Aim of the study is to investigate the role of oxytocin in promoting fidelity in humans.

Neurotransmitter Studies

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

Passamonti et al. (2012)

Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of reduced levels of serotonin on activity in the prefrontal cortex.

Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

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

Synapse

When the axon of one neuron approaches a dendrite or soma of another neuron.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Allow the impulse to cross the synapse and produce a stimulating effect on the brain, increasing the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire an action potential.

Weak Localization

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

Hormones

Released and travel through the bloodstream and regulate long-term ongoing processes such as growth and metabolism.

Brain imaging techniques

Not classified as a research method, but as a tool to measure variables.

Androstadienone (AND)

Compound that is present at much higher concentrations in male sweat and has been linked with improved mood and focus in women.

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.

Lundstrom and Olsson (2005)

Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of androstadienone, found in men's sweat, on the mood of women in the presence of men.

Pheromones are Processed By

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the accessory olfactory bulb.

Maguire et al. (2000)

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

Crockett et al. (2010)

Aim of the study was to investigate the effect of high levels of serotonin on prosocial behaviour when presented with the classic trolley problem.

Oxytocin

Associated with developing stronger bonds and is produced in the hypothalamus.

Examples of Hormones

Testosterone, oxytocin, adrenaline, and insulin.

Endocrine Glands

Are responsible for releasing hormones.

Draganski et al. (2004)

Aim of the study was to investigate whether structural changes in the brain would occur in response to practicing a simple juggling routine.

Antagonists

Counteract neurotransmission by using a substance that fits into the receptor site on the neuron, inhibiting the neuron. Thus the neuron does not fire and therefore a behaviour will not happen.

Target Cells

Have an appropriate receptor site for the hormone to bind to.

Genes

are sequences of DNA that are found in the chromosomes of cells.

Epigenetics

refers to heritable phenotype changes and a gene being "turned on or off" as a result of internal signals such as hormones or other environmental events.

Molecular Genetics

modern mapping technology to reveal particular alleles of every gene in a given individual, and behaviour is then compared across groups of individuals who have different variants of the same gene.

Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) Gene

produces an enzyme that affects neurotransmission. Low expressions has been correlated with reduced activity in the PFC and its ability to reduce emotion and anger generated in the amygdala

Meyer-Lindenberg et al. (2008)

The aim of the study was to see the effects of the MAOA gene on brain activity when shown fearful faces in an fMRI.

Caspi et al. (2002)

The of the study was to test the effects of the MAOA genotype in 1,000 New Zealand children and their response to abuse exposure.

Genes and Behaviour Studies

Meyer-Lindenberg et al. (2008) + Caspi et al. (2002)

Twin and Kinship Studies

used to determine heritability - the extent to which variations in behaviour can be attributed to genetic factors by comparing similarities in behaviour between MZ and DZ.

Falconer's Formula

is a mathematical formula that is used in twin studies to estimate the relative contribution of genetic vs. environmental factors to variation in a particular trait (that is, the heritability of the trait) based on the difference between twin correlations.

Bouchard and Mcgue (1981)

The aim of the study was to investigate heritability of IQ between fraternal and identical twins, siblings, parents and their offspring.

Bouchard et al. (1990)

The aim of the study was to investigate the heritability of IQ amongst twins that were reared apart

Genetic Similarities/Twin Studies and Behaviour Studies

Bouchard and Mcgue (1981) + Bouchard et al. (1990)

Survival of the Fittest

those with favourable characteristics are better able to survive and reproduce

Natural selection

organisms that are better adapted, pass on their genes and help strengthen the gene pool

Evolutionary Explanations for Attraction

linked to an underlying desire of having healthy children who can pass on their gene pool.

Johnston et al. (2001)

Aim of the study was to investigate facial preferences of females at two different phases of their menstrual cycle.

David Buss (1989)

Aim of the study was to identify cross-cultural similarities and/or differences in attraction

Evolution and Behaviour Studies

Johnston et al. (2001) + David Buss (1989)

Animal Model

a concept that refers to using animal research to test a certain cause-effect hypothesis about a certain human behaviour.

Ethical Considerations in Animal Research

Justified Choices + Inflicting Pain

Lashley (1929)

The aim of the study is to investigate if psychological functions such as memory are distributed rather than localized

Merzenich et al. (1984)

The aim of the study is to investigate how the sensory cortex responsible for the hand will respond to injury

Weaver et al (2004)

The aim of the study was to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms in the influence of nurturing on vulnerability to stress

Ferguson et al (2000)

The aim of the study is to investigate the role of oxytocin in social memory in rodents