Download Sample ERQ: Discuss how and why particular methods are used at

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Sample ERQ: Discuss how and why
particular methods are used at the biological
level of analysis
The two research methods are
clearly identified in the
introduction to the essay.
Why its used.
How cause and effect is
established. However, the issue of
controlling confounding
(extraneous) variables is not
addressed.
An independent samples
design was used.
IV and DV are clearly
identified.
A clarification of the limitation
of low ecological validity.
Shows why biologists use this
method in spite of the criticism.
This comment tangentially
addresses the often reductionist
approach of experimental
research.
A very limited definition of the
method. Focus is more on the
participants. Case studies are
usually longitudinal. They also
employ method triangulation.
There is usually no
manipulation of variables.
Psychologists at the biological level of analysis have
tried to find specific biological correlates of behavior.
Different methods are used to investigate how
biological factors such as brain structures and
hormone levels could influence behavior. Two
research methods which are used could be the
experiment and the case study.
The experimental method is often used by researchers
within the biological level of analysis. This is because this method can establish cause-effect relationship.
In the experiment the researchers deliberately manipulate an independent variable to measure the effect of
that on the dependent variable. In order to show how the experimental method has been applied a study
by Newcomer et. al. (1999) could be used. The aim of the experiment was to see how different levels of
cortisol affected verbal declarative memory in that the participants had to listen to and recall parts of a
prose text. There were three experimental groups. Group one received a high dose of cortisol (160 mg)
which is the same as a person experiencing a major stressor. Group two received a low dose of cortisol
(40 mg) which is the same as a person experiencing slight stress. Group three was the placebo group
which acted as control. After four days the participants were asked to recall the text. The IV was thus
level of cortisol or placebo and the DV was scores on the verbal declarative memory test. The results
showed that the participants on the high cortisol dose performed worst on the verbal declarative memory
test. This indicates a relationship between the increased level of cortisol and performance on the verbal
declarative memory test. By deliberately manipulating the IV the researchers could show that cortisol
levels influence memory.
Some methodological concerns arise, however. The experimental procedure is often said to suffer from
low ecological validity due to artificiality. It could, therefore, be argued that such results do not give
insight into how cortisol levels affect memory in real life situations. However, since biological processes
are more or less similar in real life and in the lab so this argument could be refuted. The use of the
experimental method indicates a clear cause-effect relationship between levels of cortisol and memory. It
should be noted, though, that stress is a complex condition and that an experiment like Newcomer et al.
(1999) can say something about biological correlates of stress but not really anything about what causes
stress.
Another method used at the biological level of analysis is the case study. This is an in-depth study of an
individual – often with a particular condition such as brain damage. The researchers study a case in order
to know more about how particular brain structures influence behaviour. In case studies it is only possible
to observe what already exists and it is therefore not possible to establish cause-effect relationships.
Scoville & Milner (1957) studied H.M. who due to epileptic attacks had tissue from the medial temporal
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www.tok-inthinking.co.uk
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The results of the study are
outlined, but how the study was
done is not outlined in any detail.
Why case studies are used, in
spite of their lack of
generalizability.
This is an ethical consideration
in the HM case study - but not
necessarily a concern for case
studies in general. Informed
consent, however, is always a
concern.
Demonstrates understanding
that though a case study cannot
be replicated, there may be
several similar cases which help
researchers to reach more reliable
conclusions.
lobe, including the hippocampus, removed. The result was that H.M could not store new explicit
memories at all - he suffered from permanent amnesia. This case study was a very important step for
cognitive neuroscientists towards understanding the role of the hippocampus in memory and H.M. is one
of the most studied cases.
Knowledge from this case study was later used to perform experimental surgery on animals to establish
the biological correlates of memory more specifically. This is the way case studies can spark off new
research and why they are used by researchers.
There are some ethical and methodological concerns in the case study of H.M. Case studies involving
brain-damaged individuals could have ethical implications since consent from individuals who are not
even able to remember that they are part of a study can be hard to get. In the case of H.M. who could not
remember what happened 15 minutes ago, this is a problem but since so much knowledge that can benefit
other humans has been gathered from this case it is justified. Another problem is that results from case
studies cannot be used to make generalizations about human behavior because they represent unique
individuals. However, there are other case studies which show that the hippocampus is very important in
storage of memory. Put together they show important biological correlates of behavior on a more general
level.
In conclusion, it can be said that researchers within the biological level of analysis use different research
methods but the overall focus is on how each method can reveal biological correlates of behavior. Case
studies such as that of H.M. give invaluable insight into conditions that could not otherwise be studied
and the experimental method can be used to establish cause-effect relationships between biological
factors and behaviour. This is how the case study and the experiment can supplement each other.
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© John Crane, InThinking
www.tok-inthinking.co.uk
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Assessment
Knowledge and comprehension
Marks
Level descriptor
5
The answer demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding
relevant to the question or uses relevant psychological research to
limited effect in the response. A more developed description of the
case study method would push this into the higher markbands.
Critical thinking: application, evaluation and synthesis
Marks
Level descriptor
7
The answer integrates relevant and explicit evidence of critical
thinking in response to the question. The evaluation of the case study
is too much focused on the specific case.
Organization
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Marks
Level descriptor
4
The answer is well organized, well developed and focused on the
question
© John Crane, InThinking
www.tok-inthinking.co.uk
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