Biological approach: Holzel et al. (mindfulness and brain scans)

Assumptions of biological approach: Outline two assumptions of the biological approach in psychology. [4]

Behaviour, cognitions and emotions can be explained in terms of the working of the brain and the effect of hormones, genetics and evolution.

Similarities and differences between people can be understood in terms of biological factors and their interaction with other factors.

Explain how one finding from the study by Hölzel et al. (mindfulness and brain scans) supports one of the assumptions you outlined in part (a). [2]

There was a significant increase in grey matter in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction group.

This shows that there were similarities between the MBSR group in terms of how the program interacted with their brain density.

Method: Name the method used to differentiate between gray matter and white matter in the brain scans. [1]

MRI

Method: Describe three features of the experimental group of the study. [3]

They were all right-handed adults between 25-55 years old, they were enrolled at a center for mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School to help with their stress reduction.

They had chosen to attend the course or had been referred by their doctor.

None of the participants had meditation classes in the last six months.

Method: Describe three features of the control group of the study. [3]

The control group consisted of 11 males and 6 females with a mean of 39 years old.

They included 13 Caucasians, 2 Asians, 2 African-Americans and 1 Hispanic.

They did not participate in MBSR but were matched with the experimental group in terms of age and education.

Describe why the control group was referred to as a wait-list control group. [2]

The control group was referred to as a wait-list control group because they would receive MBSR after the completion of the study.

Describe the psychology being investigated of the Holzel et al. (mindfulness and brain scans). [4]

Localisation of function which is how specific brain areas are responsible for different activities. For example, the hippocampus is linked to memory and emotion regulation. They also studied mindfulness, a stress reduction technique to enhance awareness of the present moment and encourage self-compassion.

From the study by Hölzel et al (mindfulness and brain scans): ‘Acting with awareness’ was measured by the ‘Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire’. Outline one other factor of mindfulness measured by this questionnaire. [2]

Observing. This is about attending to internal stimuli.

Outline one item from FFMQ that measures the facet of ‘observing’. [2]

One item from the FFMQ that measures the facet of observing is ‘I notice the smells and aromas of things’.

Outline one item from FFMQ that measures the facet of ‘describing’. [2]

One item from the FFMQ that measures the facet of describing is ‘I am good at finding words to describe my feelings’.

Outline one item from FFMQ that measures the facet of ‘non-judging’. [2]

One item from the FFMQ that measures the facet of non-judging is ‘I think some of my emotions are bad or inappropriate and I should not feel them’.

Outline one item from FFMQ that measures the facet of ‘acting with awareness’. [2]

One item from the FFMQ that measures the facet of ‘acting with awareness’ is ‘I find myself doing things without paying attention’.

One of the training techniques used in MBSR is ‘body scanning’. Name the other two. [2]

Mindful yoga and sitting meditation.

State the machine used for the brain scans 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the MBSR training. [1]

MRI scan.

Aims: From the study by Hölzel et al (mindfulness and brain scans): Outline one aim of the study. [2]

To investigate the effect of mindfulness stress reduction on brain density.

Procedure: Outline the two ‘regions of interest’ the researchers wanted to scan to observe for increase in gray matter. [2]

The two regions of interest researchers want to scan to observe for increase in gray matter is the bilateral hippocampi and insulae as the brain as a whole.

In the study by Hölzel et al (mindfulness and brain scans), one of the groups participated in a ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course’. There were ‘inclusion criteria’ for this group. Describe these inclusion criteria. [5]

Recruited from four MBSR classes in New England. Participants self-enrolled on MBSR course seeking stress reduction. Also, individuals were included in the study if they self-reported as physically and psychologically healthy and not taking any medications. No meditation classes in the last 6 months.

Results: Describe the results of the experimental group compared to the control group for increase in gray matter concentration in the left hippocampi. [2]

The experimental group experienced a significant increase in grey matter concentration in their left hippocampus compared to the control group.

Describe the correlation between ‘body scanning’ and ‘sitting meditation’ that was observed in the study. [3]

There were no correlations between ‘body scanning’ and ‘sitting meditation’. The correlation coefficient between body scanning and sitting meditation was -0.26 whereas for yoga and sitting meditation it was 0.49, and body scan and yoga was -0.042.

Outline the ‘homework’ task the participants were required to do. [2]

Participants were required to spend an average of 27 minutes per day on mindfulness homework during the course.

Betsy is talking about the study by Hölzel et al (mindfulness and brain scans). She says that the study has validity. Explain why Betsy is correct that the study has validity, using evidence from this study in your answer. [4]

Validity is about whether a measure is truly measuring what it should be. The study used MRI scans which are objective measures of brain matter. Internal validity is about whether the IV is directly affecting the DV due to strong controls. The study did have some controls like the inclusion criteria for participation meaning that this variable was less likely to affect the DV of grey matter density.

Suggest at least one application to everyday life of the study by Hölzel et al (mindfulness and brain scans). Do not refer to more than three applications in your answer. Your suggestion(s) must be ethical. [5]

Counsellors in schools can use it to help reduce stress in students who are having exams by teaching them body scanning and sitting meditation. Another application is that it can be used by employees in the office who are facing stress from work by teaching them yoga.

Suggest two problems that could arise if children were used as participants in the study by Hölzel et al. (mindfulness and brain scans). [4]

It can be difficult for children to keep still. For an MRI scan to work, the person has to remain still for a period of time.

Children may not understand what is being asked of them. Therefore, the children may not understand how mindfulness works.

Explain how one result from the study by Hölzel et al. supports the nature side of the nature nurture debate and how one result supports the nurture side of the nature-nurture debate. [8]

Results that support the nature side of the nature-nurture debate: Holzel et al found that those who did mindfulness meditation had increased grey matter concentration in key brain regions such as the left hippocampus that is linked with memory and learning.

Explain how: This supports the nature side because it suggests that biological factors such as genetic influences on neuroplasticity drive the brain’s ability to change and develop in response to experiences.

Results that support the nurture side of the nature-nurture debate: Participants went through an MBSR training program that helped participants deal with the stress in their lives and improve their well-being.

Explain how: It is because it shows an environmental factor like training and practice can influence brain structure and functioning.

Explain two differences between the study by Dement and Kleitman and the study by Hölzel et al. (mindfulness and brain scans). One of the differences must be about the technique used to investigate the brain. [8]

Hölzel used an MRI scan to be able to see brain density changes after a mindfulness stress reduction course. Dement & Kleitman used a different technique called an EEG that could only monitor brain wave activity. Therefore, Hölzel’s method looked at structure whereas Dement looked at real-time function.

Dement and Kleitman studied a small sample of 9 adults including 7 males and 2 females in a controlled laboratory setting. Holzel et al studied 16 adult participants who were trained in mindfulness-based stress reduction progress. As a result, Dement and Kleitman’s sample was smaller and generalized while Holzel’s participants were specifically selected based on their involvement in mindfulness training.