Biological research methods

    Cards (69)

    • 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