NAT11240025 - Investigate Psychology Using Science Methodology Assignment

Assignment Task

1 - Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Concepts and the Science Inquiry Method

1. Define psychology.

• A methodical study of the human mind and behaviour.

2. Briefly outline how psychology became a discrete discipline.

• Psychology became a discrete discipline in the 19^th century when Wundt advocated for its separation as it didn’t fully align with either philosophy and physiology.

3. Name the three (3) philosophical issues in psychology.

1. Free Will vs Determinism
2. Dualism vs Monism
3. Nature vs Nurture

4. Explain each of the three (3) philosophical issues in psychology. Provide an example for each.

1. Free Will refers to a person’s belief in their autonomy, pursuing studying based on their own goals and thoughts, without been influenced by external factors. Whereas determinism suggests that a person’s decision to study is shaped by past experiences, family influence and or social pressures.
2. Dualism is the idea that pain has both a physical and psychological (or non-physical) aspect, that they are two separate entities. Whereas monism is the idea that pain purely is a physical reaction in the nervous system, without the need to invoke a non-physical wound in order to inflict pain.
3. Nature suggests that if you are an introvert, your child will inherit similar traits as you. Whereas Nurture would argue that the child’s traits would be shaped by influences such as upbringing, socialization and culture influences.

5. Identify and explain the four (4) processes/stages of scientific research.

Theory – A theory is an explanation or model that accommodates numerous observations and generates reasonable predictions.

Hypothesis – A Hypothesis is a specific testable statement or prediction about an idea.

Method – A Method is the systematic approach used to achieve a specific goal or conduct an investigation. The type of experiment conducted, the selection of participants, what procedures are followed and the data collected.

Results and Interpretation – The results from testing the hypothesis and their interpretation will either show that the hypothesis was supported or not.

6. Define the following terms from the Scientific Inquiry Method

Term	Definition
Experimenter Effect	When the experimenter’s expectation or other traits have an influence on the outcome of the experiment.
Experimental Group	A group that is involved in the experiment that receives a particular variable that is being tested. This group is then compared to the Control Group to assess the cause and effect of the variable being tested.
Control Group	A group that is observed without a variable. This group is used as the baseline for the experiment and helps in determining the cause and effect of the variable being tested with the Experimental Group.
Qualitative data	Is non-numeric data that is typically collected from sources such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, photographs and other materials or observations.
Quantitative data	Is data that can be counted or measured and is represent numerically and is collected from surveys, experiments or observation that used variables.
Mean	Is the overall average data set. Calculated by adding all values together then dividing the total by the number of different values.
Median	Is the middle value in a list of numbers from lowest to highest. If the values provided is an even number the median will be represented by the two middle numbers.

 

Mode	Is the value that appears most frequently in the data set. Depending on how often the values appear, the data may have multiple modes, one mode or no mode at all.
Random Sampling	Is a technique used to ensure each sample has equal chance of being selected, enabling random choice of participants from a large group to represent the whole group.
Convenience Sampling	Is a technique used based on how available the participants are. Providing a quick and simple sample pool, however it does not ensure the whole group is being represented accurately.
Generalisations	Is a conclusion based on specific examples or observations that is then applied to the whole group, assuming that the data from a small sample will be true and apply to the whole group.

 

7. What is informed consent in regards to participant’s rights?

The participants receive clear information about the study or experiment they will be involved in. They should comprehend what it entails, including any risks or benefits and know they can withdraw from the study or experiment at any time. This process is in place to help protect their rights and choices.

8. Explain the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable.

Independent variables are factors that can be manipulated or controlled in an experiment, such as temperature, medication dosage and time allocated, among other factors.

Dependent variables are factors that are measured in the experiment and is influenced by the independent variable. For example, a dependent variable that relies on the independent variable such as temperature could be how fast a plan grows depending on the temperature provided.

9. Distinguish the difference between reliability and validity.

Reliability is the consistency of something being tested

Validity is the accuracy of what is being tested

10. Watch the video called Psychological Research – Crash Course Psychology #2

Answer the following questions using the information from the ‘Coffee Experiment’:

1. What was the question or theory which formed the basis of the experiment? The effect caffeine has on the brain, does coffee make you smarter or move quicker. Question “Do humans solve problems fast when given caffeine?”
2. Write down the hypothesis for the experiment developed from the theory. Adult humans given caffeine will navigate a maze faster than adult humans not given caffeine.
3. Outline the independent and dependent variables for the experiment. Independent variable: Caffeine dosage Dependent variable: Speed at which a subject navigates through the giant corn maze.
4. How were the participants assigned for the experiment? Find a variety of different people and assign them randomly into three groups.
5. What should experimenters obtain from the participants before the experiment begins? Should acquire everyone’s informed consent
6. Explain the makeup of the three (3) groups of participants involved in the experiment.

Group 1 is the control group they are given a placebo in this experiment that is decaf.

Group 2 is given a standard amount of coffee (100mg)

Group 3 is given a large amount of coffee (500mg)

1. How were the findings gathered for this experiment? What did the experimenter record? The experimenter recorded how fast the three groups got through the maze. The results found group 3 exited the maze first followed by group 2 and finally group 1
2. Explain how the experimenter would know if the hypothesis was correct?
3. The experimenter would see if the results of the experiment that if group 3 exited the maze twice as fast as group 1 that the hypothesis was correct, that humans navigate a maze faster with more caffeine.
4. Would this experiment be able to be replicated? Justify your answer. Yes, clear language and defined parameters for the experiment was set so it is easily being able to be replicated

2 - Neurons and Behaviour

11. What is Biological Psychology?

Biological Psychology is the study of behaviour by studying the effects of drugs, hormones, genetic and evolutionary pressures have on a person along the electrical and chemical activities found in the nervous system.

12. Identify the assumptions which underlie this approach.

Behaviour is impacted by biology – genetics, brain chemistry or hormones.

That behaviour is impacted by drugs and other substances (mimic or counteract disorders).

The body can be reduced down to smaller components, for study (this is known as reductionism).

13. Explain how these assumptions link to the philosophical debate within psychology.

Nature vs nurture

Biological psychology leans towards the nature, that genetics and biological factors significantly impact behaviour. While it nurture is specific to the individual.

Free will vs determinism

Biological psychology leans towards determinism more, that behaviour is mostly determined by biological factors like genetics, brain chemistry and hormones rather than free will.

Dualism vs monism

Biological psychology leans towards monism that all perception is impacted by biological function

14. Name the two types of nervous system cells?

Central nervous system and Peripheral nervous systemNeurons and Glial Cells

15. Draw and label a neuron. Explain the function of each part.

Three parts to a neuron – neurons carry information by conducting electrical impulses (100 billion in the brain).

GliGlial cells – support and maintain neurons, myelin used as an insulation sheet that speeds up transmission of impulses (faster than neurons).

The cell body – otherwise known as the soma, contains the nucleus and much of the chemical machinery common to most cells

Dendrites – are the parts of a neuron that are specialized to receive information

An axon – a long thin fiber that transmits signals away from the soma to other neurons or to muscles or glands. Some axons are covered with myelin sheaths to speed up transmission, the breakdown. The breakdown of myelin sheath impedes effective transmission of messages and is implicated in the condition multiple sclerosis.

16. Outline the function of the three types of neurons.

1. Sensory/Afferent/Uni-polar Neuron -Transmits impulse to the CNS from sensory receptors, skin, eyes nose, tongue ears. Uni-polar neurons have only one process from the cell body
2. Motor/Efferent/Multi-polar Neuron – transmits impulses from the CNS (central nervous system) to muscles and glands which carry out responses. Multiple dendrites as they receive multiple signals
3. Interneuron/Bi-polar Neuron – Transmits impulses between sensory and motor neurons, mostly located in the CNS, can be round in the retina of the eye

17. Draw and label a synapse. Explain how communication takes place between neurons.

A neuron sends an electrical impulse called the action potential that travels down its axon and into the axon terminal, this causes the tiny sacs called synaptic vesicles that produces neurotransmitter to release into the small gaps between neurons, that is the synaptic cleft. Once they have crossed the synaptic cleft the neurotransmitters attach to receptors on the next neuron that is the postsynaptic neuron.

18. Explain how neurotransmitter can impact behaviour.

Neurotransmitters are what help mass a message from one neuron to the next as they don’t touch each other. Identified neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

They control everything from muscle movement to moods and mental health

Problems with neurotransmitters can cause both physical and mental health issues

1.     Complete the table below explaining the function of these neurotransmitters in the body:
Neurotransmitter	Function in the body
Glutamate	Brains main excitatory transmitter. Essential for all brain activities
GABA	Brains main inhibitory transmitter
Acetylcholine	Increases brain arousal
Dopamine	One path important for movement, another path is important for memory and cognition
Serotonin	Modifies many types of motivated and emotional behaviour
Endorphins	Decrease pain and increases pleasure
Norepinephrine	Enhances storage of memory of emotional or otherwise meaningful events

 

3 - The Brain and Behaviour

20. Outline your understanding of the Nervous System:
System	Function
Central Nervous System	Controls and coordinates all bodily functions, relays information to and from, consists of the brain and spinal cord.
Peripheral Nervous System	Nerves from the body connect to the spinal cord to send/receive information.
Somatic Nervous System	Controls voluntary movement like walking and holding things. Nervous system that relays information from your senses to the brain and sends information from the brain to muscles to allow for movement
Autonomic Nervous System	Regulates involuntary movements like heart beating and breathing Nervous system that controls and regulates the automatic movements, e.g. heartbeat and breathing
Sympathetic Nervous System	Prepared the body for fight or flight, increases heart rate Is your fight and flight response that triggers your body to be alert.
Parasympathetic Nervous System	Calms the body, slows down heart rate.   This system helps to regulate and relax your body

 

21. Create a flow chart showing the parts of the Nervous System.

22. Draw the brain and label the four lobes. Briefly describe the main function of each lobe.

Frontal lobe: Motor control voluntary movements, cognitive functions, speech, manages attention, memory and organization.

Parietal lobe: Touch, temperature, pain (sensory), spatial awareness and coordination.

Occipital lobe: Primary visual cortex, visual perfection and recognition of objects and surroundings.

Temporal lobe: Primary auditory cortex, hearing, understanding language and smell.

23. What happens when the body activates the ‘fight or flight’ response? Which part of the Nervous System is activated?

The Sympathetic Nervous System is the system that activates the ‘fight or flight’ response. They control the heart and breathing rates and prepare the body for vigorous activity.

 

1.    Construct a glossary for the following parts of the brain:
Part of the Brain	Function
Corpus Callosum	Is where both left and right hemispheres of the brain connect and can communication to each other and coordination between the two.
Cerebral Cortex	Is the key factor for memory, emotions, thinking learning, problem solving and functioning of senses Sensory perception, motor control and cognitive functions like learning and memory.
Prefrontal Cortex	Forward part of the frontal lobe is considered the executive control system and is thought to monitor, organize and direct thought process.
Spinal Cord	Connects to nerves in the body in order to be able to send and receive information Transmits sensory and motor impulses between the brain and the body.
Limbic System	Seat of emotion, loosely connected to network of structures between the cerebral cortex and deeper subcortical areas. System includes the thalamus, hypothalamus, the hippocampus and amygdala. Contains pleasure centers.
Thalamus	Responsible for incoming sensory information that is relayed to the cerebral cortex Helps control sleep and other consciousness, processes sensory information the correct areas of the cerebral cortex.
Hypothalamus	Senses that are important for the way the body detects hunger, thirst, body temperature and regulation along with sex and others Controls bodily functions like hunger, third and temperature.
Hippocampus	Is responsible for long-term memory and spatial location Spatial navigation and memory.
Amygdala	Controls what we find of emotional and significant experiences Information storage, processed emotions, pleasure, fear, anger etc.
Brain plasticity	Ability to change overtime as a result of experience. Ability to change and adapt to experiences. Crucial for learning and memory.

 

4 - Sensation and Perception

25. Define sensation and perception.

Sensation stimulates the sense organs – detection of stimuli

Sensation – when the sense organs like eyes, ears, nose, skin and tongue detection a stimulus from the environment.

Perception is the selection organisation and interpretation of sensory input

Perception – When the brain selects, organizes and interprets the sensory information it’s received and that allows us to understand smell, patterns etc.

26. Draw and label the parts of the eye.

27. Explain the visual pathway.

Light waves that are stimulus outside the body, the pupil responds to light funnels to back of eyeball. Forea (cone for highlight) or Retina (rod for low light) converts the light waves to neural impulses that travel to the brain via optic nerve. Thalamus routes impulse to lobes for processing (known as binding) perception

Lightwave’s (stimulus outside the body), pupil response to light and funnels to the back of the eyeball. Fovea cone or rod converts light waves to impulses, impulses travel to the brain via the optic nerve, the thalamus routes the impulses to the lobes for processing (binary) perception.

28. Explain colour vision deficiency?

Like colour blindness is the inability to perceive the differences between colours. This can be acquired through damage to the retina, optic nerve or higher brain areas. can sometimes also been acquired through genetics.

29. Draw and label the parts of the ear.

30. Explain the auditory pathway.

Sound is funneled through the pinna towards the inner ear down the external auditory canal, sound strike the eardrum that connects to three tiny bones known as the malleus, incus and stapes. The stapes transmits vibrations to the cochlea where they displace the hair cells along the basilar membrane and covert mechanical vibrations to electrical signals, the singles are then transmitted to the auditory nerve which transmits impulses to the brain (temporal lobe).

31. What is meant by the localization of sound? Provide an example.

Listening to music through headphones that certain sound is played through the right headphone and other is played through the left. Another would be someone standing behind you and depending on their location on being to the left right or directly behind you, if they were positioned slightly left you would hear more from your left hear as it can localize the sound better.

32. Discuss how the functioning of the visual and auditory pathway might impact behaviour.

Visual and auditory pathways could impact behaviour by the way things are perceived changing how we interact and respond to our environment. Visual pathways allow us to see, navigate and recognises things and people, while the auditory pathway allows us to communication and detect sound in emergencies. With any obstructions of these pathways could change behaviour as it could be difficult to navigate around the environment, cause issued with communication and effect social interactions. The auditory pathway also can cause issues with balance.

6 - Behaviourism

33. Briefly define the focus of Behaviourism to psychology and outline how and when this approach developed.

Behaviourism is the focus of study of behaviour through observable behaviour, it’s a learning theory. It works very closely with environmental stimuli and responses in behaviour.

34. Identify the assumptions which underlie this approach and explain how they link to the philosophical debate within psychology.

35. Identify the theorist/s associated with this approach.

36. Define Classical Conditioning.

Classical Conditioning, an environmental stimulus triggers a learned response through the association of an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) with a previously neutral conditioned stimulus (CS) resulting in a learned reflex. An unconditional response (UCR) is a reaction that does not require learning and is a natura response. The concept was demonstrated by Pavlov’s experiment as explained in Burton et al., (2014), where he conditioned his dog to respond to the sound of a bell the same way it would to food by salivating.

37. Provide definitions for: UCS, UCR, CS and CR

Unconditional Stimulus (UCS): The unconditional stimulus is a stimulus that naturally and automatically provokes an unconditioned response (Kalat, 2016).

Unconditional Response (UCR): Is the action that is naturally provoked from the unconditional stimulus (Kalat, 2016).

Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Is a stimulus that is not naturally occurring but is paired with an unconditional stimulus (Kalat, 2016).

Conditioned Response (CR): Is the action that has been provoked by the conditioned stimulus that mirrors the unconditional response (Kalat, 2016).

38. Draw and label the procedure in Pavlov’s Dog experiment.

39. Provide an example of classical conditioning in humans.

40. What is operant conditioning?

41. How are reinforcement and punishment used in operant conditioning?

42. Describe the process employed to modify behaviour. Discuss reinforcement in your answer

43. Provide (2) practical examples of how operant conditioning could be applied in society to modify behaviour.

44. Discuss the differences between classical and operant conditioning.

45. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses which have been identified with this approach.

7 – Introduction to Psychological Disorders

46. Summarise what is meant by the term psychological disorder

47. Discuss how psychological disorders are diagnosed.

48. Provide four (4) examples of categories or classifications for psychological disorders from the DSM-V.

49. Case Study of Anxiety Disorder:

50. Use your analysis on Anxiety Disorders, to explain why the current philosophical debates are relevant in modern psychology. Provide examples to support your position. 

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