Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Outline what research has found about minority influence?(4) Moscovici carried out research where participants had to Judge the colour of a slide. He found that participants were More likely to agree with a minority who gave an incorrect Answer if they were consistent. In the consistent condition The participants agreed with the minority 8.2% or time and When the minority was not consistent, participants agreed with them only 1.25% of the time. Research has also found a flexible and committed minority are more influential.

Studies of conformity are sometimes criticised for being unethical Studies of conformity are sometimes criticised for being unethical. Briefly explain TWO ways in which psychologists might address ethical issues in social influence research. (4)

Firstly psychologists should ensure that they get fully informed consent before the experiment. They can do this by making sure the participant is aware of what they will be required to do in the study and ensure they are not deceived. Researchers can also tell participants they have the right to withdraw at the beginning of the study and they should be reminded of their right to withdraw during the experiment and at the end where they can withdraw their data.

The Behavioural, cognitive and emotional aspects of OCD Obsessions are recurrent thoughts. They are intrusive impulses, ideas, thoughts and images. Such thoughts are distressing, abhorrent and the person may find these repulsive. These lead to increased anxiety

the Behavioural Cognitive and Emotional Factors in OCD The compulsions are the behaviour. They are irresistible, repetitive actions. Carried out to a rigid set of rules. Unreasonable and excessive The belief is that by carrying out the behaviour they will stop some awful consequence. Being unable to perform the compulsion results in greater anxiety.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ufqFO5B1vQY http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Specification biological approach to explaining and treating OCD: genetic and neural explanations; drug therapy.

Genetic Explanations What is the in incidence of OCD? Estimates in UK range from 1.2% (12/1000) To 2.7%

Genetic Explanations If the incidence is higher in people with a family history of OCD then this points to a genetic link Read the research in your booklet and answer the questions on these. Consider what this research tells us about the genetic basis of OCD.

Neural Explanations - The Basal Ganglia This small collection of grey matter is found in the middle of the brain. It connects to the cerebral cortex, thalamus and brainstem. The basal ganglia use neurotransmitters — chemicals that transmit signals from one nerve to another or between nerves and muscles — to control responses. Examples of neurotransmitters are dopamine and serotonin.

The Basal Ganglia The basal ganglia learn, remember and coordinate voluntary movement. It controls muscle tone and filters the brain's action plans — deciding which actions are appropriate and blocking improper actions.

Research Observations of the involvement of the Basal. Ganglia have come from surgery where this part of the brain has been damaged, particularly if the connection between the Basal Ganglia and the orbitofrontal cortex has been damaged. This can reduce OCD.

orbitofrontal Cortex This part of the brain plays a role in initiating activity when receiving impulse to act and then stopping the activity when the impulse lessens. E.g. Wash hands when feel they are dirty and then stop when feel they are clean. In OCD. A problem switching off or ignoring impulses to act.

What is a Neurotransmitter?

the role of Serotonin Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood and behaviour. It is also involved in the avoidance of repetition of tasks Low levels of serotonin may play a role in OCD

How do we know Serotonin is Involved? Hu (2006) Studied 169 OCD patients 253 non OCD sufferers Found serotonin levels lower in OCD The use of SSRI’s to treat OCD also supports the role of serotonin. Pigott and Seay have found that the use of SSRI drugs consistently reduce the symptoms of OCD

Evaluating the a Biological approach in explaining OCD Placemat consensus Evaluating the a Biological approach in explaining OCD Think Research support Research challenge Problems with research Nature vs nurture Biological determinism Reductionism Learning and environment influences

Outline explanations for conformity (6)

One explanation for conformity is normative social influence One explanation for conformity is normative social influence. This is when we go along with the majority in order to be accepted and fit in, in order to be liked. This type of social influence often leads to compliance. Another explanation of conformity is informational social influence. This is when we look to the majority for information and often occurs in ambiguous situations. This reason for conformity is more likely to result in a deeper change of behaviour and beliefs and leads to internalisation

Outline one behavioural and one cognitive characteristic of OCD (4)

Describe one drug therapy that has been used to treat OCD and identify one limitation (4)

Evaluate normative social influence and informational social influence as explanations of conformity (6)

One strength of these explanations is that there is research to support them playing a role in conformity. In Asch’s research he found that many of his participants said they did not want to be the odd one out and so gives support for normative social influence. Asch also found that some participants said they doubted their own eyes and ability to judge the lines and this shows evidence for the role of informational social influence as they assumed the majority was correct. However a criticism of these explanations is they ignore the role of social identity in conformity. We tend to conform to groups we identify with such as groups that are similar to us in age, beliefs and background. This explanation is not considered in normative and informational social influence.