2015-2016 IB Psychology Review By: Joel Brand, Clay Costner, Jon Kinkopf#13 Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behavior. (Biological) © Knowledge about the role of specific genes in behavior is still mited so researchers should be careful about making definite conclusions. Genetic research is often reductionist as it does not include environmental factors, © Genetic research is correlational by nature so one should be careful to make definite conclusions about the risk of developing a disease ‘© Itis not certain that genetic research, like the Human Genome Project, is ethically neutral. There are historical examples of misuse of ethically sensible data (e.g. eugenics in Nazi Germany) and itis not guaranteed that data could not be misused again. © Genetic research into complex behavior such as homosexuality is controversial because of the social meaning and significance of homosexuality. Genetic research could result in stigmatization and discrimination as many societies are homophobic. The search for the “gay gene” has generally raised controversy.#25 Evaluate one theory of how emotion may affect one cognitive process( Cognitive level of analysis) Theory of Flashbulb memory Special kind of emotional memory associated with highly emotional and detailed recall of the event. Encoded into the brain like a photo, hence Flashbulb. Neisser suggests that flashbulb memory is just memory that is rehearsed over and over again into LTM. Thinking about the event, reconsidering the event, telling the event. Special neural mechanism triggering an emotional arousal because the event was unexpected/extremely important. Emotional events are better remembered — the Amygdala is suspect for being primarily responsible for this cognitive process#36 Evaluate research on conformity to group norms (Sociocultural level of analysis) Subject was placed into a room with 6 confederates and the experimenter Subject was deceived that confederates were participants just like them The subject was placed on the secand last seat so they will be the second last to give an answer The group of subject and confederates were asked to select line on the first card he line on the second card that matched the There were 18 sets of cards in total, some of which had lines that were completely different in length others are similar in length Confederates instructed to answer correctly an some of the cards but answer incaContinued 75% conformed at least once to the wrong answer 32% conformed to more than haif of the wrong answers 24% did not conform at all Gender bias, only male participants were used. Culture bias, only population of the US were used. Cannot be generalised to all population Ethics: Deception, but subjects were debriefed#39 Examine the role of two cultural dimensions on behavior.(Sociocultural level of analysis) Individualism-Collectivism ‘The individualism collectivism dimension relates to a societal, not an individual's, characteristic and identifies the extent to which people ina society are integrated into groups. In an individualist society, there is an expectation that individuals look after themselves and connections between individuals are loose; while in a collectivist society, individuals are integrated into strong, cohesive groups, which may often involve extended family. ‘The individualism-collectivism dimension may also influence an individual's perceptions of disability After suffering an injury, an adutt with a highly individualistic cuttural background may be focused on self-sufficiency and independence. Caretakers may see their role as primarily to facilitate a return to self-care. For individuals and caretakers with a collectivist background, the focus may be on providing ongoing assistance to an individual Extended family may be very involved in caretaking,#39 Continued Power Distance Power distance refers to the extent to which less powerful members of organizations and institutions (including the famity) accept and expect unequal power distributions. This dimension is measured not only from the perspective of the leaders, who hold power, but from the followers. In regard to power distribution, Hofstede notes, “all societies are unequal, but some are more Unequal than others” In a large power distance society, parents teach children obedience, while in a small power distance society parents treat children as equals. Subordinates expect to be consulted in small power distance societies, versus being told what to do in large power distance societies. Clinicians may find that individuals from a high power distance cultural background may refrain from expressing disagreement with goals andlor therapy activities, even ifthey dont plan to implement suggested goals in the long term. Clients view the clinician as the expert and expect himiher to direct assessment and interventions. Individuals with a low power distance cultural background may more openly express agreement and disagreement with clinician advice and suggestions, ask questions, and expect to be involved in the development of intervention plans.#40 Using one or more examples, explain “emic” and “etic” concepts. (Sociocultural level of analysis) Emic Research that studies one single culture to understand culture-specific behavior. researchers study behavior through the eyes of the people who live in that culture. Emic: Bartlett (1932) Bartlett mentioned the extraordinary ability of Swazi herdsmen to recall individual characteristics of their cattle. He explained that the Swa ture revolves around the possession and care of cattle and itis important for people to recognize their animals because this is part of their fortune.#40 Continued Etic Research that campares psychological phenomena across cultures to discover universal behaviors. the research aims to compare and contrast behaviors across cultures to find out whether the behavior is culture specific or universal Etic: Kashima and Triandis (1986) Differences in description of success between Japanese and American participants. The American participants tended to explain their own success by dispositional attributions whereas the Japanese participants made situational attributions. American participants demonstrated the self-serving bias and Japanese participants demonstrated the self-effacing bias#52 Discuss the relationship between etiology and therapeutic approach in relation to one disorder (Abnormal Psychology) Treatment of major depression often involves antidepressant medication that interferes with neurotransmission in the brain, This can be seen as an attempt to regulate what is believed to be an imbalance in the serotonin system. Some psychiatrists question the usefulness of antidepressants that interfere with serotonin balances in the brain on the grounds thet ‘The serotonin system in the brain is very complex and not much is known about the drugs’ long-term effect. The drugs do not cure depression and have side effects. Studies show that placebo might be just as effective, psychotherapy (particularly CBT) is just as effective and in some cases more effective