13.1.10

Biological Explanations: Studies

Test yourself

Stunkard et al (1986) - Adoption Studies and Obesity

Stunkard et al (1986) investigated genetic factors in obesity through adoption studies.

Illustrative background for ProcedureIllustrative background for Procedure ?? "content

Procedure

  • Case study.
  • 540 Danish adoptees were classified into four groups: thin, median weight, overweight and obese.
  • These were then compared with their biological and adoptive families.
Illustrative background for Results & conclusions Illustrative background for Results & conclusions  ?? "content

Results & conclusions

  • Results
    • There was a strong relationship between weight of biological parents and adoptees and no relationship between adoptive parents and adoptees.
  • Conclusion
    • This shows a strong genetic element in obesity and that environment may be less important.
Illustrative background for Evaluation Illustrative background for Evaluation  ?? "content

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Large sample.
    • In depth and detailed.
  • Limitations
    • Cannot generalise from case studies.
    • Individual differences.
    • Genes are not destiny, might just increase risk of obesity.

Hetherington and Ranson (1940)

Hetherington and Ranson (1940) investigated the effects of ventro-medial hypothalamus (VMH) lesioning in rats.

Illustrative background for ProcedureIllustrative background for Procedure ?? "content

Procedure

  • Procedure
    • Laboratory experiment.
    • Rats had the ventro-medial hypothalamus in their brains destroyed.
  • Results
    • The rats with lesions in the VMH had much higher food and water intake levels than rats without lesions and became very obese.
  • Conclusion
    • Demonstrates the importance of the VMH in regulating hunger and thirst.
Illustrative background for EvaluationIllustrative background for Evaluation ?? "content

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Controlled, reliable experiment.
    • Practical applications.
  • Limitations
    • Cannot generalise from animals to humans.
    • Ethics.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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