U3 AOS1
Explain the role of the myelin sheath.
The role of the myelin sheath is to protect and insulate the neuron, and speed up the rate of neutral transmission.
Identify the capacity and duration of short-term memory.
Capacity: 5-9 items
Duration: 12-30 seconds
Define consciousness.
An awareness of external stimuli/objects and events in the external world and our awareness of our sensations and mental experiences at any given moment.
Identify two characteristics associated with the state of being 'mentally healthy'.
- can use abilities to reach one's potential
- can cope with the normal challenges and stress of life
- can work productively
- can contribute to the community
- good social and emotional wellbeing
What is the purpose of using a control group in an experiment?
A control group involves regulating the effects of variables other than the IV that can influence the DV/results, which enables observation/measurement of the true effects of the IV.
Describe the two main functions of the somatic nervous system.
The sensory function carries sensory information from the body (via PNS) to the central nervous system. The motor function carries motor information for voluntary movements from the central nervous system (via PNS) to the body.
Give two differences between classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
- response is reflexive (CC) vs voluntary (OC)
- learner is passive (CC) vs learner is active (OC)
- reinforcing stimulus precedes response (CC) whereas occurs after the response in OC
Compare our content limitations in NWC and ASC.
In NWC, our content is limited; it is logical and organise and we are able to focus our attention whereas in ASC our content is fairly unlimited, and we are more prone to bizarre and creative thoughts.
Why is mental health described as being on a continuum?
The mental health continuum (mentally healthy, mental health problems, mental disorder) recognises that mental health can fluctuate over time as it is influenced by the interaction of changing internal (biological and psychological) and external (sociocultural) factors.
What is an experiment?
An experiment is used to test a cause-effect relationship between variables under controlled conditions.
List two limitations of the GAS model.
- a ‘one size fits all’ model i.e. assumes everyone has the same general, predictable and automatic physiological/biological responses to any kind of stressor
-does not fully take account of or explain individual differences in physiological responses to a chronic stressor
- overemphasises physiological/biological responses to a stressor and ignores psychological responses to different types of stressors e.g. does not take into account cognitive aspects
Distinguish between sensory memory and STM with reference to conscious awareness.
sensory memory - unconscious
STM - conscious
Name two devices that a researcher could employ to indicate whether a person is in REM sleep, and describe what this device would indicate.
- EMG: low levels of electrical activity in the muscles of the body
- EEG: beta-like brainwaves – high frequency/low amplitude (saw-tooth patterns)
- EOG: high electrical activity in the muscles that move the eyes (muscles near the eyes)
video monitor: no major body movement (some twitching), rapid eye movement
Classify the following factors using the biopsychosocial framework and the 4P's.
a) loss of a significant relationship
b) low self-esteem
c) poor impulse-control
d) good sleep hygiene
e) diagnosis of a serious physical illness
f) stressful life events
a) social precipitating factor
b) psychological predisposing factor
c) biological predisposing factor
d) biological protective factor
e) biological precipitating factor
f) psychological predisposing factor
Outline the process of 'stratified sampling', and suggest a reason when it is likely to be employed.
Stratified sampling divides the population of interest into different strata and then selects a sample from each stratum in the same proportions as the population.
It is likely to be employed when the population is diverse.
Outline the synaptic transmission process with reference to the lock and key model.
Each type of neurotransmitter has a chemically distinct shape. When released by the presynaptic neuron, the neurotransmitter crosses the synpase and searches for the correctly shaped receptor site on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neurons. Like a key in a lock, a neurotransmitter’s shape must precisely match the shape of the receptor site on the postsynaptic neuron’s dendrites in order to bind/attach to its receptors. (Receptor sites recognise neurotransmitters by their distinctive shape.) Binding ‘unlocks’ the postsynaptic neuron’s response so that the neurotransmitter causes changes to the neuron, resulting in an excitatory or inhibitory effect i.e. communication of the message.
Explain why Alzheimer’s disease is attributable to neurological factors.
the presence of specific neurological abnormalities, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles
Explain why digital media use for a prolonger period when in bed just before sleep can adversely impact on the onset of sleep.
Artificial lighting emitted by digital media such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones can be bright enough to inhibit secretion of melatonin and consequently adversely influence alertness and sleep onset.
Outline two ethical issues, other than deception, that may be raised in relation to the use of a placebo treatment.
- The effect of a placebo can be smaller or more temporary than legitimate treatment
- It requires a participant to go without treatment
Distinguish between reliability and validity in psychological research.
Validity is the extent to which the research study and its procedures measure what the research intended to measure whereas reliability is the extent to which the results obtained from a research study are consistent, dependable and stable.
Explain one beneficial effect of cortisol, and one harmful effect of cortisol.
A beneficial effect of cortisol is it energises the body by increasing energy supplies such as blood sugar and enhancing metabolism.
A harmful effect of cortisol is that it may impair immune system functioning when excessive over a prolonged period and increase vulnerability to infection and disease
Explain how a leading question can be used to manipulate memory reconstruction by eye-witnesses.
A leading question can be used to add or ‘plant’ new, false information to or in an eye-witness’s memory of a critical event. This increases the likelihood of that information being integrated in their reconstructed memory when prompted to recall that memory by a closely related question asked at a later time during the trial.
Explain how cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could be used to treat sleep onset insomnia.
Amanda is 22 years old and completing her first year of a law degree at university. Recently, she has been experiencing a loss of energy and motivation and has been going out less with her friends than usual. Amanda is also feeling confused and questioning whether she wants to continue to study law at all or whether it was a mistake and she should have chosen something less demanding. She has decided to continue to go to her classes while she makes her decision.
Place Amanda on the mental health continuum. Justify your response.
mental health problem
Amanda is experiencing doubt and personal difficulties (in an aspect of life not uncommon for many) but not marked distress or disability; recent rather than long term; more likely to be temporary/transient than persistent; continuing to function in important areas of everyday life e.g. still going out with friends, continuing with studies; relatively minor e.g. not serious/severe/requiring treatment
Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative data with reference to characteristics of our psychology class. Your answer must include 2 quantitative characteristics and 2 qualitative characteristics.
Quantitative:
_ males, _ females
1 teacher
average SAC results
Qualitative:
Names of students & teacher
Mix of gender, diverse cultural backgrounds