Correlational studies and RM SAQ genes and behaviour 1

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Questions and Answers

What was the aim of Caspi's study?

To investigate the role genetics may play in sexuality

To manipulate GABA levels to improve memory function

To determine evidence for a gene-environment interaction for a mutation of the serotonin transporter gene 5-HTT (correct)

To determine the effect of scopolamine on hippocampal activity

What was the aim of Bailey & Pillard's study?

To see whether the brains of London taxi drivers would be somehow different as a result of their exceptional knowledge of the city

To investigate the role genetics may play in sexuality (correct)

To determine the effect of scopolamine on hippocampal activity

To manipulate GABA levels to improve memory function

What was the aim of Maguire's study?

To manipulate GABA levels to improve memory function

To see whether the brains of London taxi drivers would be somehow different as a result of their exceptional knowledge of the city (correct)

To investigate the role genetics may play in sexuality

To determine evidence for a gene-environment interaction for a mutation of the serotonin transporter gene 5-HTT

What was the aim of Antonova's study?

To determine the effect of scopolamine on hippocampal activity Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of Prevot's study?

investigates whether the manipulation of GABA levels could have a positive influence on impaired memory function in an animal model. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle in correlational studies?

When one variable changes, another variable changes as well. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a positive correlation?

As shoe size increases, so does reading ability Signup and view all the answers

What is the actual factor causing the positive correlation between shoe size and reading ability?

Age Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Facebook use and depression, what is the real factor causing the correlation?

Social isolation Signup and view all the answers

What is the actual factor causing the positive correlation between height and income?

Education level Signup and view all the answers

Regarding the positive correlation between time spent watching TV and obesity, what is the real factor causing the correlation?

Physical activity Signup and view all the answers

What is bidirectional ambiguity in correlational research?

It represents the uncertainty about which variable causes the other Signup and view all the answers

Why would it be difficult to study the average number of hours a child watches television and their level of aggression as an experiment?

Due to ethical concerns Signup and view all the answers

'Bidirectional ambiguity' is primarily observed in which type of research?

Correlational research Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive correlation indicate about two variables?

As one variable increases, the other also increases. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor might be responsible for a behavior in a correlational study?

Another variable not being studied Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aims of Specific Studies

Caspi's study aimed to explore the relationship between genetic factors and environmental influences on mental health.
Bailey & Pillard's study sought to investigate the genetic basis of sexual orientation by examining the sexual preferences of twins.
Maguire's study aimed to assess structural changes in the brains of London taxi drivers, specifically focusing on the hippocampus.
Antonova's study investigated the effects of acute beta-adrenergic blockade on the brain's response to virtual reality environments.
Prevot's study focused on how stress experienced during childhood influences adult behavior and mental health outcomes.

Principles of Correlational Studies

Correlational studies aim to identify relationships between variables without establishing cause and effect.
A positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable tends to increase as well.

Real Factors Behind Correlations

Shoe size and reading ability: The actual factor causing the positive correlation is age, as shoe size typically increases with growing age, which also correlates with increased reading ability.
Facebook use and depression: The real factor may be the level of social support or self-esteem, impacting both Facebook usage and depression.
Height and income: The positive correlation is influenced by societal perceptions and biases favoring taller individuals in professional settings.
TV watching and obesity: The real factor causing the correlation might be lifestyle habits, such as lack of exercise and dietary choices, rather than the TV watching itself.

Bidirectional Ambiguity

Bidirectional ambiguity refers to the difficulty in determining the direction of the relationship between two correlated variables, making it unclear whether one variable influences the other or vice versa.
It is primarily observed in correlational research, where causal relationships cannot be established.

Positive Correlation Characteristics

A positive correlation suggests that two variables move in the same direction, indicating that changes in one variable are associated with changes in another.
In correlational studies, various external factors may influence behavior, highlighting the complexity of establishing direct causal relationships.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the aims of different studies conducted by Caspi, Bailey & Pillard, Maguire, Antonova, and Prevot. and Correlational studies and RM SAQ genes and behaviour 1