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Chapter OneResearch Methods in

Physiological Psychology

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Diverse Research Methods Are Used in Biological Psychology

Histology

Autopsy/ Lesion

Imaging/ Recording

Stimulation

Pharmacological methods

Genetic methods

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Histology: The Study of Microscopic Structures and Tissues

Tissue to be viewed must be: fixed by freezing or formalin. sliced thinly by a microtome.

Stains are applied to highlight structures of interest

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Golgi Stain

Nissl Stain

Histology ExamplesMyelin Stain

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Using Histology: Horseradish Peroxidase

ThalamusRetina

Retrograde Transport

Normal flow of informationneuron

axon of neuron synapse

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Using Histology

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Autopsy: Simon LeVay and INAH-3

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Lesions

The results of lesions can be used to determine the function of an area.

Lesions may be: naturally occurring artificially produced

heating the tips of surgically implanted electrodes

chemicals that kill cell bodies. temporarily produced by cooling an area of

the brain.

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Brain Imaging Example - Brain Activity

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Measures brain activity based on the

utilization of radioactive glucose or oxygen.

Courtesy Dept. of Energy Office of Public Affairs

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Stimulation Delgado uses electrical stimulation to control his fighting bull.

“Ratbots” respond to stimulation by changing direction.

From Jose Delgado

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Pharmacological Methods

Drugs: Administered to subject,

behavior/brain activity monitored

Microdialysis: Chemical samples are removed

through micropipettes. Identify chemicals present in a

very small area.

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Genetic Methods

Twin Studies Monozygotic (identical) vs. dizygotic

(fraternal) twins Concordance rates

Genetically Modified Animals Knockout genes

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Human Ethical Guidelines

No coercion

Informed consent

No harm

Confidentiality

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Non-Human Animal Ethical Guidelines

Clear purpose and necessity

Excellent housing, food and health care

Minimal pain and suffering

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Research Ethics Oversight

Federal guidelines

Professional societies recommendations by (APA, Society for Neuroscience)

Institutional review boards Human Subjects Committee IACUC

Journals