The brain & behavior

• Research Method: Experiment – Draganski et al. (2004) Study

  • An experiment is a research method where an independent variable (IV) is manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable (DV), allowing for the establishment of cause-and-effect relationships.
  • In true experiments, participants are randomly assigned to conditions to control for extraneous variables.
• Why is Draganski’s Study an Experiment?

  ✅ Manipulation of the IV: Learning and practicing juggling (experimental condition) vs. no juggling (control condition). ✅ Measurement of the DV: Changes in gray matter volume measured through MRI scans. ✅ Cause-and-Effect Relationship: The study suggests that learning juggling causes an increase in gray matter, providing experimental evidence for neuroplasticity.
• Ethical Consideration: Informed Consent – HM Case Study

  • Informed consent is an ethical principle requiring that participants fully understand the nature, purpose, and potential risks of a study before agreeing to participate.
  • Participants must be competent to provide consent and have the right to withdraw at any time.
• Issue of Informed Consent in HM’s Case

  • Due to his memory impairment, HM was unable to remember giving consent to participate in the study over time.
  • Since he could not form new explicit memories, he could not recall the procedures or agree to continued participation on an ongoing basis.
  • His legal guardians (family members) and caregivers likely provided consent on his behalf.
• Ethical Implications In HM Case Study

  • Potential Violation: Since informed consent requires continuous awareness and voluntary participation, HM’s inability to remember consenting raises ethical concerns.
  • Minimization of Harm: Researchers ensured confidentiality and protection from distress, and his identity was kept anonymous (only referred to as HM) until after his death.
  • Justification: The study provided significant contributions to neuroscience and psychology, improving understanding of memory localization.
• Conclusion of HM's case Study In ethical Consideration

  • HM’s case highlights challenges in obtaining informed consent from individuals with cognitive impairments.
  • While consent procedures may not have fully met modern ethical standards, researchers took steps to minimize harm and protect HM’s well-being.