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Psychology
Biological psychology
Biological research methods
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Created by
Erin Lovell
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Cards (69)
What are scanning methods used for in brain research?
To research the
structure
and function of the brain
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What does CAT stand for in brain scanning techniques?
Computerised Axial Tomography
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How does a CAT scan work?
It uses
X-rays
to create detailed brain images
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What is the purpose of rotating the scanner in a CAT scan?
To
gather
information
from
different
angles
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What type of information does a CAT scan provide?
Structural
information about the brain
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What is a limitation of CAT scans?
They do not show how the brain is
functioning
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What is one use of CAT scans?
To detect areas of
brain damage
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What is a strength of CAT scans compared to other imaging techniques?
They provide higher quality images than
X-rays
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What is a weakness of CAT scans regarding radiation?
They require more radiation than
traditional X-rays
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What is the purpose of PET scans?
To investigate
brain activity
and function
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What substance is injected during a PET scan?
Fluorodeoxyglucose
(FDG)
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How does the brain use the injected tracer in a PET scan?
It uses
glucose
as a form of energy
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What happens to the radioactive atoms during a PET scan?
They emit
positrons
as they break down
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What do the colors in a PET scan image represent?
High activity areas are
warmer
colors
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What is a limitation of PET scans regarding results interpretation?
Results can vary between
individuals
performing tasks
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What is a strength of PET scans in psychological research?
They show
brain activity
linked to behavior
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What is a weakness of fMRI scans?
They require the
patient
to remain still
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How does fMRI gather information about brain activity?
By measuring blood flow associated with
neural activity
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What does BOLD stand for in fMRI?
Blood Oxygen Level Dependent
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What is a strength of fMRI compared to PET scans?
It does not use
radiation
for imaging
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What is a limitation of fMRI regarding time lag?
There is a
5-second
time lag in imaging
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What is the main question addressed by twin and adoption studies?
Is behavior influenced more by
nature or nurture
?
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What is the assumption made in twin studies?
Both types of twins grow up in the same
environment
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What are MZ twins?
Identical
twins sharing
100%
of their genes
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What are DZ twins?
Non-identical twins sharing some
genes
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How is similarity measured in twin studies?
By
correlation
or
concordance
between individuals
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What does a concordance rate indicate?
The percentage of similarity between twins
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What is expected if a behavior is entirely genetic?
MZ
twins should show
100%
concordance
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What did the study by Goereman and Shields investigate?
The
genetic basis
of
schizophrenia
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What was a key finding of Goereman and Shields' study?
MZ twins had a higher
likelihood
of
schizophrenia
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What is a strength of twin studies regarding genetic influence?
They allow investigation of genetic influence in
similar environments
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What is a weakness of twin studies regarding environmental influence?
MZ
twins may share more similar environments than
DZ
twins
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What can twin studies indicate about behavior?
They suggest a
genetic
origin but not
specific
genes
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What should MZ twins show if a trait is genetic?
Higher concordance rates than DZ twins
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Why is information for twin studies often taken from twin registries?
They hold data on thousands of twins
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What is a potential weakness of twin studies regarding MZ twins?
MZ twins have more similar environments
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How does the environment of MZ twins affect similarity estimates?
Shared environment increases estimated similarity
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What do twin studies indicate about behavior origins?
They suggest a genetic origin for behaviors
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What is the main comparison in adoption studies?
Adopted children with biological and adoptive relatives
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What indicates genetic factors in adoption studies?
Children resemble biological parents more
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