14.1.10

Biological Explanations: Studies

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Stunkard et al (1986) - Adoption Studies and Obesity

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

Procedure

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.
Results & conclusions

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.
Evaluation

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.

Procedure

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.
Evaluation

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Controlled, reliable experiment.
    • Practical applications.
  • Limitations
    • Cannot generalise from animals to humans.
    • Ethics.
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

2

Memory

3

Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5

(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

7

Biopsychology

8

Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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