Techniques
Name the 3 techniques we have studied
MRI, fMRI & PET
What is localisation?
the idea that specific areas of the brain can be correlated with specific thoughts, feelings and behaviours
What is neuroplasticity?
The idea that the brain structure changes over time due to environmental influence.
What are Pheromones?
chemicals which secrete out of our bodies and have an effect on other humans who subconsciously sense them.
What is genetic similarity?
referred to as relatedness and it is assumed the greater the genetic similarities between two people the more relatedness they have.
How do MRI scans technically work?
changes in blood flow are observed, which are used to develop a picture
name 2 studies that we have looked at that provide evidence for localisation?
Maguire et al. - all of them
Sharot (2007)
What is a Genotype and what is a Phenotype?
Genotype = the genetic construction of and individuals organism
Phenotype = the set of characteristics of an individual which is the result of the interaction between a genotype and the environment
Name 3 Neurotransmitters
- Serotonin
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
Curveball:
What is an antagonist
What is an agonist
Antagonist = reduce the effect of neurons
Agonist = amplify the effect of neurons
What is the main difference between MRI & fMRI
MRI is a 3D image
fMRI is a functional image
What are 2 limitations of localisation
- People are built genetically differently and therefore results may not apply to every human
- Can lead to reductionist arguments, by saying that parts of the brain CAUSE behaviors
- inaccuracy of methods used to study localisation
What studies provide evidence of Neuroplasticity
Maguire et al - all of them
Rosensweig, Bennet, Diamond (1972)
Draganski (2004)
Name a study on Testosterone
&
Name a study on Oxytocin
Zak (2009) - Testosterone
Baumgartner et al. (2008) - Oxytocin
What is Epigenetics?
The study of changes in organisms caused by genetic expression.
What are 2 cons of using the techniques used to study the brain
- ecological validity
- exaggeration of scan results
- no cause-effect relationship
Who won the 2019 NBA finals?
Toronto Raptors
What are the main limitations of Rosenweig, bennet & diamond (1972)
- Research was unsure whether the results were because of social interaction or the Toys within the cages
- ethical considerations
- correlating animal behaviour with human
How can we correlate Wedekind (1995) with Pheromones
Wedekind found that Women with different MHC levels than the smells, were ranked higher.
How many years of prison has wojtek been sentenced to?
6 Years = the amount of mm his haircut length is
What were the Results of Maguire (2000)?
Amongst the taxi drivers:
There was an increase in matter of the posterior hippocampus
There was a decrease in matter of the anterior hippocampus
How does Maguire (2000) provide evidence of localisation?
the conclusion of the study was that their were changes in the Hippocampus, meaning there is a correlation between parts of the brain and behaviour.
What team did Kawhi Leonard play for last season?
Toronto Raptors
Name 2 limitations of the theory of Pheromones
- There is no confident evidence that Humans are affected by Pheromones, compared to some animals who have a VNO.
- Ecological validity
Name the symptoms of Major Depressive Order?
- depressed mood most of the day
- Significant weight loss
- insomnia
- Psychomotor (retardation all day)