Understanding research methodology in psychology can be difficult. Hopefully this post will help make things a little clearer. When understanding any topic in psychology, I like to use a basic “What-How-Why” approach. This works particularly well for research methods. Read more: Exam Tips: How to write a research methods essay Lesson idea: Understanding research methods (with worksheet) Biological Approach Research …
Genetics and Ethics
Make sure you have the key questions, learning targets and glossary for this topic. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Whenever you are asked to discuss ethical considerations of any study, you should first remember the APA guidelines we covered during our research work. These are ethical issues when studying humans such as: deception, informed consent, debriefing, confidentiality and right to withdraw. (For genetics …
The Evolution of Attraction
See Chapter 5 of “IB Psychology: A Student’s Guide” for more information. This topic requires you to explain one evolutionary theory of a specific behaviour. One behaviour we look at in my course is sexual attraction because humans have evolved to find certain characteristics of the opposite gender attractive. The characteristics or traits, that are attractive, are those that will …
An Introduction to Brain Imaging
Discuss the use of brain imaging technologies in investigating the relationship between biological factors and behaviour. Three of the important brain imaging technologies you should know about are: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Discuss the use of, means you can write about a range of issues relating to the use of technology. For example …
Cortisol and Memory
Here’s an interesting study that investigates the impact of cortisol levels of memory encoding and recall.
Cortisol
This article is a good starting point for learning about the role of cortisol in human behaviour.
Melatonin, SAD and the Circadian Rhythm
Melatonin and SAD Here’s a video that defines SAD and gives some symptoms of this disorder. If you are to explain how melatonin can cause SAD, you need to know the symptoms. This is also applicable to the GLT that focuses on how our environment can affect our physiology and how that can in turn affect our behaviour. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVJYojGonxA] …
Oxytocin and Bonding
Here’s an article with some interesting research regarding the role of oxytocin in bonding between fathers and their children. You’ll be able to find even more information about the functions of oxytocin in human behaviour by reading this article. Don’t forget that you need to know supporting research. If you are interested in how this hormone can influence bonding and …
Introduction to Localization of Brain Function
Localization of brain function simply means that different areas of the brain (i.e. locations) are associated with different behaviours and mental processes (functions). For example, Our hippocampus plays a role in memory. The prefrontal cortex is associated with decision making, planning and controlling our impulsive behaviours. The amygdala plays a role in emotion and emotional response. These are just some …
Introduction to Neurotransmission
Neurotransmission is the process by which neurotransmitters are fired from one neuron to another. It’s important that you can explain how varying levels of neurotransmitters in the nervous system (e.g. in the brain) can have an impact on our behaviour. Here’s a quick preview of neurotransmission: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNaFnRKwpFk] You should be able to outline the causes of neurotransmission and the changes …