Biological research methods

• What are scanning methods used for in brain research?

  To research the structure and function of the brain
• What does CAT stand for in brain scanning techniques?

  Computerised Axial Tomography
• How does a CAT scan work?

  It uses X-rays to create detailed brain images
• What is the purpose of rotating the scanner in a CAT scan?

  To gather information from different angles
• What type of information does a CAT scan provide?

  Structural information about the brain
• What is a limitation of CAT scans?

  They do not show how the brain is functioning
• What is one use of CAT scans?

  To detect areas of brain damage
• What is a strength of CAT scans compared to other imaging techniques?

  They provide higher quality images than X-rays
• What is a weakness of CAT scans regarding radiation?

  They require more radiation than traditional X-rays
• What is the purpose of PET scans?

  To investigate brain activity and function
• What substance is injected during a PET scan?

  Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
• How does the brain use the injected tracer in a PET scan?

  It uses glucose as a form of energy
• What happens to the radioactive atoms during a PET scan?

  They emit positrons as they break down
• What do the colors in a PET scan image represent?

  High activity areas are warmer colors
• What is a limitation of PET scans regarding results interpretation?

  Results can vary between individuals performing tasks
• What is a strength of PET scans in psychological research?

  They show brain activity linked to behavior
• What is a weakness of fMRI scans?

  They require the patient to remain still
• How does fMRI gather information about brain activity?

  By measuring blood flow associated with neural activity
• What does BOLD stand for in fMRI?

  Blood Oxygen Level Dependent
• What is a strength of fMRI compared to PET scans?

  It does not use radiation for imaging
• What is a limitation of fMRI regarding time lag?

  There is a 5-second time lag in imaging
• What is the main question addressed by twin and adoption studies?

  Is behavior influenced more by nature or nurture?
• What is the assumption made in twin studies?

  Both types of twins grow up in the same environment
• What are MZ twins?

  Identical twins sharing 100% of their genes
• What are DZ twins?

  Non-identical twins sharing some genes
• How is similarity measured in twin studies?

  By correlation or concordance between individuals
• What does a concordance rate indicate?

  The percentage of similarity between twins
• What is expected if a behavior is entirely genetic?

  MZ twins should show 100% concordance
• What did the study by Goereman and Shields investigate?

  The genetic basis of schizophrenia
• What was a key finding of Goereman and Shields' study?

  MZ twins had a higher likelihood of schizophrenia
• What is a strength of twin studies regarding genetic influence?

  They allow investigation of genetic influence in similar environments
• What is a weakness of twin studies regarding environmental influence?

  MZ twins may share more similar environments than DZ twins
• What can twin studies indicate about behavior?

  They suggest a genetic origin but not specific genes
• What should MZ twins show if a trait is genetic?

  Higher concordance rates than DZ twins
• Why is information for twin studies often taken from twin registries?

  They hold data on thousands of twins
• What is a potential weakness of twin studies regarding MZ twins?

  MZ twins have more similar environments
• How does the environment of MZ twins affect similarity estimates?

  Shared environment increases estimated similarity
• What do twin studies indicate about behavior origins?

  They suggest a genetic origin for behaviors
• What is the main comparison in adoption studies?

  Adopted children with biological and adoptive relatives
• What indicates genetic factors in adoption studies?

  Children resemble biological parents more