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Hormones. Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behavior. Hormones. Chemical messengers secreted by glands. These glands are part of a system called the endocrine system. Cortisol and Memory.
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Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behavior
Hormones Chemical messengers secreted by glands. These glands are part of a system called the endocrine system.
Cortisol and Memory • Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and to restore homeostasis. • Chronic stress may result in prolonged cortisol secretion… • Which can damage the immune system and impair memory.
Newcomer et al (1999)Experiment on Cortisol and Memory Aim: To investigate how levels of cortisol levels interfere with verbal declarative memory.
Newcomer et al (1999)Experiment on Cortisol and Memory Procedure: A self selected sample (through and advertisement) of 51 normal and healthy people ages 18-30 was used. • Randomized, controlled and double-blind. • Three conditions….
Newcomer et al (1999)Experiment on Cortisol and Memory • Condition 1: High level of cortisol (160 mg tablet), was given. Same as cortisol released in a stressful event. • Condition 2: Low level of cortisol (40mg tablet). Same as minor stressful event. • Condition 3: A placebo
Newcomer et al (1999)Experiment on Cortisol and Memory Results: • The high level group performed worse on verbal memory test than the low level group and placebo group. • The low level group showed no memory decrease.
Newcomer et al (1999)Experiment on Cortisol and Memory Evaluation • It was controlled and randomized so it was possible to establish a cause and effect relationship. • They received informed consent. • Negative effect of cortisol levels was reversible so no harm was done.
Oxytocin and trust • Oxytocin is secreted by the hypothalamus into the brain and into the bloodstream via the pituitary gland. • Linked to increase in trust. • Evolutionary psychologist say trust was critical in forming relationships or staying away from bad ones. • Learning to trust in vital for survival. • One way it could work is by reducing fear reactions via the amygdalaas a consequence of betrayal.
Baumgartner et all (2008)The role of oxytocin in trust in economic behavior. • Aim: To investigate the role of oxytocin after breaches of trust in the trust game. • Procedure: The participants played a trust game used by scientists to study social interaction.
Baumgartner et all (2008)The role of oxytocin in trust in economic behavior. Procedure: • “Investor” player 1 gets a sum of money and must decide whether to keep it or share it with a “trustee” (player 2). • What is shared is tripled. • Player 2 must decide if the sum should be shared (trust) or kept (violation of trust).
Baumgartner et all (2008)The role of oxytocin in trust in economic behavior. Procedure • fMRI scans were carried out on all participants. • They received either oxytocin or placebo via a nasal spray. • Participants played against different trustees and were given feedback when the trust was broken by the experimenter.
Baumgartner et all (2008)The role of oxytocin in trust in economic behavior. Results • Participants in the placebo group showed less trust after feedback of betrayal. They invested less. • Participants in the oxytocin group continued to invest at similar rates after receiving feedback of breech of trust.
Baumgartner et all (2008)The role of oxytocin in trust in economic behavior. • The fMRI scan showed decreases in responses in the amygdala and caudate nucleus. • Amygdala is a part of our brain that is involved in basic emotions and has many receptors for oxytocin. • The caudate nucleus is involved in learning and memory and plays a role in reward related responses and trust.
Baumgartner et all (2008)The role of oxytocin in trust in economic behavior. Evaluation • Oxytocin could explain why people are able to restore trust and forgiveness in long-term relationships. • fMRI gave us an idea about a possible correlation but gave us nothing definite about cause and effect. • Giving the oxytocin artificially may not reflect a true physiological process. • Oxytocin is very complex and it is too simplistic to call it the :trust hormone”.