Biological SAQ
What is neuroplasticity?
The brain’s ability to change structure and function in response to experience, learning, or injury.
What is a cognitive bias?
A systematic error in thinking that affects judgement and decision-making.
Q: What is a stereotype?
A generalised belief about a group.
Name one PTSD symptom cluster.
Define diffusion of responsibility.
Responsibility is shared among a group, so individuals feel less responsible to act.
Name one brain region linked to PTSD and its function.
Define schema.
A mental representation of knowledge that helps us organise and interpret information.
Define enculturation.
The process of learning cultural norms and values.
Explain one biological explanation of PTSD.
Brain differences (e.g., smaller hippocampus) increase vulnerability to trauma.
Explain bystanderism using Darley & Latané.
More bystanders = less helping → due to diffusion of responsibility.
Explain one effect of cortisol on memory using a study.
Cortisol affects memory by influencing emotional encoding.
Buchanan & Lovallo (2001) found higher cortisol → better recall of emotional material, showing stress hormones affect memory processes.
Explain one cognitive bias using Tversky & Kahneman.
Anchoring bias — estimates are influenced by an initial number.
Participants exposed to high numbers gave higher estimates → showing biased judgement.
Explain stereotype threat using Steele & Aronson.
Students performed worse when stereotypes were activated → fear of confirming stereotype reduces performance.
Evaluate one PTSD treatment.
Exposure therapy (Felmingham) reduces symptoms and changes brain activity,
BUT small samples + possible distress limit generalisability.
Compare Piliavin and Darley & Latané.
Why does MRI evidence not prove causation?
MRI is correlational, so it only shows relationships between brain structure and behaviour, not cause-effect.
Why might emotion make memory vivid but not accurate?
Emotion increases confidence and vividness, but does not guarantee accuracy → flashbulb memories can be distorted.
Q: Why can culture influence conformity?
Collectivist cultures value group harmony → higher conformity, while individualist cultures value independence.
“To what extent is PTSD best explained by biological factors?”
Biology explains vulnerability (Gilbertson, Karl),
BUT cognitive appraisal (Solomon) and environment are also critical →
best explanation = biopsychosocial model.
Evaluate strategies used to promote prosocial behaviour.
Explain how biological vulnerability contributes to PTSD using Gilbertson.
Gilbertson et al. (2002) found smaller hippocampi in PTSD patients AND their twins → suggests pre-existing vulnerability, not just trauma effect.
Explain how cognitive appraisal contributes to PTSD using Solomon.
Solomon et al. (2005) found higher PTSD linked to high threat perception and low self-efficacy, showing interpretation of trauma affects symptoms.
Explain how SES influences PTSD prevalence using Garrison.
Lower SES = more stress + less support → higher PTSD rates after disaster (Garrison et al., 1995).