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BRS LESSON 3

STARTER
Sort out the cards on your desk to
explain how the sleep-wake cycle
is mediated (controlled) by the
SCN
Circadian rhythm focus.

OBJECTIVES
1. Outline one or more infradian rhythms.
2. Apply research evidence towards specific
infradian rhythms and use relevant IDA to
develop your evaluation.

INFRADIAN RHYTHMS LASTING MORE THAN A DAY


1. Menstrual cycle
2. Seasonal Affective Disorder

MENSTRUAL CYCLE

KNOWLEDGE AND

UNDERSTANDING (AO1)

Using your diagram work your way around the room finding the
answers to the questions.
Once you have answered these questions answer the following
exam style question.
Outline one infradian rhythm (4 marks)

15 minute task

RESEARCH EVIDENCE

Approach.
Evolutionary
Approach

McClintock
Studied 135 women aged 17-22 years living in
all females halls of residence. They were asked
to recall previous menstrual cycles over the
previous year, how much time they spent each
week in male company and with females they
considered their best friends and had spent most
time with. McClintock claimed the women who
spent the most time with each had synchronised
cycles.
Further research has found a significant degree
of synchronisation of mothers and daughters
residing in the same home, this has been echoed
with women who work together, among womens
basket ball teams and in lesbian couples.

Russell 1980
Investigating the effect of pheromones. Could olfactory cues from one
women influence the timing of menstruation in another. They
collected odour by placing cotton pads in the armpits of donors for 24
hours. The donors were told not to wear deodorant or wash their
armpits during this time. This cotton pad was then rubbed on the
upper lips of pps, who were told not to wash. The cotton wool pad was
then rubbed on the upper lips of pps who were told not to wash their
faces for 6 hours. This happened three times a week for 6 months.
Russell reported that menstrual cycles shifted significantly to
resemble the donors cycle. This shows that exogenous factors can
effect endogenous pacemakers greatly.

SOURC E: HTTP://SCHOLARSHIP. LAW.DUKE.EDU/CGI/VIEWCONTENT. CGI?ARTICLE=2833&CONTEXT=DLJ

Debate focus

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER


This is an annual rhythms which results in symptoms during the
winter months due to the absence of natural light.

EASTMAN ET AL. (1998)


Treated patients either with a bright light (6000 lux) or a placebo.
Those that were treated with the bright light were more likely to
respond with partial or full remission of symptoms. Postolache et al
(1998) highlights though that treatment with light does not improve
symptoms as much as the person feels in the summer months.
Research has also found when light therapy is given equally in both
the winter and summer months depressive symptoms are still
higher in the winter.
What else might be different about summer that might improve
mood?

PLENARY
What makes something
scientific?
Is Psychology therefore a
science?

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