2.) Explain function of two hormones in human behavior.
First of all, neurotransmitters and hormones are NOT the same thing.
Serotonin, dopamine, aceytlcoline and is NOT HORMONES.
Also, make it clear that the hormones themselves do NOT ACT INDEPENDENTLY, and that they interact with the rest of the body's substances to produce a certain behavior.
There are two hormones we studied in particular that we could use for this question:
- OXYTOCIN - said to increase feelings of generosity, relaxation, and facilitates relationships and positive communication
- TESTOSTERONE - interaction with other substances increases likelihood of aggressive behavior or other affects
1.) Studies for oxytocin:
- Fehr (2005) - Aim: Observe the influence of different levels of oxytocin on a person's tendency to trust strangers
Results: People given oxytocin invested more money with the partners than those who didn't receive the hormone
Significance: Oxytocin presence increases tendency to trust
Weakness: First of its kind as a study, not replicated
- Ditzen(2008) - Aim: Observe effects of oxytocin on ability to discuss difficult topics
Results: Significant increase in positive communication in couples who had taken the oxytocin
Significance: Oxytocin facilitates pair bonding - implies its importance in human relationships
Weakness: Lack of replication
- Feldman (?) - Aim: Observe levels of oxytocin in pregnant women pre- and post-natal
Results: Initial levels of oxytocin predicted bonding behavior, and mothers with high oxytocin levels throughout displayed greater concern and attachment to their children
Significance: Oxytocin is connected to the aspect of bonding between mother and child
Weakness: 62 isn't a lot of women
2.) Studies for testosterone:
- Sjoberg (?) - Aim: Test how testosterone and MAOA activity affect antisocial behavior
Results: Neither individual high levels affected antisocial behavior, but together high levels of both increased the amount of antisocial behavior
Significance: Testosterone and MAOA interaction contributes to growing antisocial behavior
- Chiavegatto (?) - Aim: Observe the effect of knocking out the MAOA gene
Conclusion: There was more aggression among mice whose MAOA gene had been knocked out than among those who hadn't had their gene disengaged
Significance: This shows that genes influence behavior. So, if HORMONES influence GENES, then technically, HORMONES influence BEHAVIOR.
Hormone Studies and Notes | |
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