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. Travis DixonTravis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.
Cortisol
This article is a good starting point for learning about the role of cortisol in human behaviour. Travis DixonTravis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.
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 …
Answering Questions in IB Psychology: An Introduction
How do we know what we know in Psychology? Research! Throughout this course and in almost every lesson you’re going to be asked to answer questions, such as*: How do levels of serotonin influence behaviour? What causes depression? Can we trust our memory? In answering all of these questions you need to use research to support your answer. Research means …
Hormones: An Introduction
Hormones and the Endocrine system Another key biological factor in understanding behaviour is the endocrine system. Neurons are what make up our nervous systems; glands are what make up our endocrine system. The endocrine system, therefore, is the name given to the various glands throughout the body that regulate and release hormones. You may already be familiar with hormones from …
Introduction to Qualitative Research
Research in psychology can be generally divided in to two major types: Quantitative Qualitative To be it simply, quantiative research deals in investigating human behaviour by looking at numbers and statistics. Experiments, correlational studies, and meta-analyses are some of the quantitative methods used in Psychology. Quantitative research often tries to investigate cause and effects, or correlations between factors and behaviour. Qualitative …