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Description
Flashcards by Hazel Meades, updated more than 1 year ago
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Created by Hazel Meades
almost 9 years ago
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| Question | Answer |
| Evaluate the dual centre theory in terms of neural circuits | However, damage to the lateral hypothalamus also caused deficits in other behavioural areas such as sex and thirst. This is most likely because the lateral hypothalamus is part of a neural circuit and therefore affects many different areas of behaviour. This implies that the explanation is overly simplistic in terms of the lateral hypothalamus' function, reducing its validity. |
| Evaluate the dual centre theory in terms of limited explanation | However, biological drives can be overridden by psychological factors, as evidenced by the starvation behaviour observed in anorexics. This suggests that a biological explanation isn't very holistic in explaining eating behaviour because it only focuses on one area of behavioural influence. |
| Evaluate the dopamine explanation for anorexia in terms of concordance rates | However, twin studies can be criticised because concordance rates are inconclusive. The diathesis-stress model proposes that a triggering environmental factor is also necessary (such as cultural influences. It has been suggested that AN is more common in individualist, Western cultures) in order for the disorder to develop. This weakens the explanation. |
| Evaluate the reproductive suppression hypothesis in terms of AN being adaptive | However, this theory can be criticised. If AN is adaptive and innate why doesn't everyone develop it? How can a disorder be adaptively beneficial? This implies that risk factors are also important in the development of AN and weakens the explanation. |
| Evaluate the boundary model in terms of lab experiments | However, this model can be criticised because the research studies conducted in the area are often lab experiments. The taste-test procedure for example ignores everyday factors that could affect dieting such as mood (e.g: stress can lead to disinhibition). It also doesn't account for individual differences (e.g: low self-esteem) and lacks ecological validity as a result, weakening the explanation. |
| Evaluate the cognitive explanation for AN in terms of a limited explanation | However, the cognitive explanation can be criticised because it is hard to identify what causes the breakdown in information processing in the first place. We don't know what leads to faulty thinking. Therefore, AN could be an effect rather than a cause. If we don't know the disorder's true cause then it becomes harder to treat. This suggests that the explanation is too limited in its approach to be applicable to real life cases of AN. |
| Evaluate personality in terms of the diathesis-stress model | However, this cognitive explanation of AN does help us to understand more about the genetic predispositions underlying the disorder. The diathesis-stress model proposes that an environmental trigger is also necessary in order for AN to develop. However, the diathesis allows us to identify those who may be at risk of developing this disorder. This makes the explanation psychologically useful since it can be used to educate potential anorexics about the disorder. |
| Evaluate Oliver and Wardle in terms of self-report | One criticism of this study and many others in this area is that it uses self-report. This measure is victim to social desirability bias. For example, a student may report that they snack more during exam periods based on the social expectations surrounding the nature of comfort eating and based on whether their friends snack during these periods. This reduces the validity of the study, weakening the explanation. |
| Evaluate the carbohydrate craving syndrome in terms of an unclear relationship | One criticism is that there is an unclear relationship between stress and eating behaviour. Whilst most studies show that mood does have an effect on behaviour, the explanation of carbohydrate craving syndrome may be overly simplistic. For example, research has shown that carbohydrates increase the rate of tryptophan that enters the brain. This leads to increased serotonin and therefore raised mood but consuming 2-4% of protein prevents the uptake of tryptophan, suggesting that the relationship between stress and comfort eating is more complex than the explanation proposes. |
| Evaluate the role of serotonin in terms of SSRIs | However, the role of serotonin in developing AN can be criticised on the basis of treatment. If abnormalities in serotonin levels cause AN then why are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. These work through altering the levels of serotonin available to receptors in the brain) ineffective when used with AN patients? This implies that there is more to AN that simply serotonin. |
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