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Hormones and Behavior

ham ib laq psychology

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25 views

Hormones and Behavior

ham ib laq psychology

Uploaded by

SpaceKJK
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hormones and Behavior

Hormones play a crucial role in regulating behavior by acting as chemical


messengers that influence the functioning of various bodily systems,
including the brain. Hormones such as cortisol and oxytocin can have
significant effects on memory, stress responses, and social bonding. The
interaction between hormones and behavior is particularly evident in
studies that explore how hormonal imbalances or manipulation affect
cognition and emotional regulation. The studies by Meany et al. (1988)
and Newcomer et al. (1999) demonstrate the impact of hormones on the
brain, particularly in relation to memory and stress.

Study 1: Meany et al. (1988) - Effect of Neonatal Handling on Age-Related


Impairments
Meany et al. (1988) conducted research to investigate how early life
experiences, specifically neonatal handling, influenced age-related
impairments in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory.
The study was conducted on rats, with one group receiving early life
handling and the other group receiving no handling. The researchers
found that rats exposed to early handling showed increased resilience to
stress and less hippocampal damage as they aged, compared to the non-
handled group. The researchers attributed these effects to changes in the
regulation of glucocorticoids, hormones that are released in response to
stress. The study demonstrated how early life experiences, mediated by
hormonal regulation, can have long-term effects on brain function and
behavior.

Evaluation of the Theory (Based on Meany et al.)


Meany et al.’s study is a seminal piece of research that provides strong
evidence for the role of hormones in behavior, particularly in how early life
stressors can affect long-term brain function. One strength of the study is
its longitudinal design, which allowed researchers to observe the long-
term effects of early life experiences on behavior and brain function.
Additionally, the study's use of animal models enabled researchers to
control environmental factors, providing clear insights into the relationship
between hormones and the brain. However, a limitation is that findings
from animal studies may not fully generalize to humans due to differences
in brain complexity and social environments. Moreover, the study’s
reliance on invasive procedures raises ethical concerns regarding animal
welfare.

Study 2: Newcomer et al. (1999)


Newcomer et al. (1999) conducted a study to investigate the effects of
cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, on verbal declarative
memory. The researchers assigned participants to three groups: a high
cortisol group, a low cortisol group, and a placebo group. Cortisol was
administered orally for four days, and participants were asked to perform
a memory task. The results showed that participants in the high cortisol
group performed significantly worse on the memory task compared to the
low cortisol and placebo groups. This study demonstrated that elevated
cortisol levels, which often occur during periods of stress, can impair
memory, providing evidence of the negative effects of stress hormones on
cognitive function.

Evaluation of the Second Study (Newcomer et al.)


Newcomer et al.’s study offers valuable insights into the role of cortisol in
memory function. One strength of the study is its experimental design,
which allowed for a controlled manipulation of cortisol levels and provided
clear evidence of the causal relationship between elevated cortisol and
impaired memory. The use of a placebo group strengthens the validity of
the findings, as it controls for the placebo effect. However, a limitation of
the study is its short-term focus, as cortisol was administered over a brief
period. It remains unclear whether prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol
levels would have the same effects on memory. Additionally, while the
study provides evidence of the effects of cortisol on memory, it does not
explore the broader implications of chronic stress on other cognitive
functions.

Linking the Studies to the Theory and Conclusion


Both Meany et al. (1988) and Newcomer et al. (1999) provide strong
evidence for the role of hormones, particularly stress hormones like
glucocorticoids and cortisol, in influencing behavior and cognitive
function. Meany’s study demonstrates how early life experiences,
mediated by hormonal regulation, can affect long-term brain development
and stress resilience, while Newcomer’s study shows the more immediate
effects of elevated cortisol on memory impairment. Together, these
studies illustrate the powerful influence of hormones on behavior, with
stress hormones playing a key role in modulating cognitive functions such
as memory. While both studies contribute to our understanding of the
interaction between hormones and behavior, they also highlight the need
for further research to explore the long-term effects of hormonal changes
on human cognition and behavior.

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