Research Methods In Individual Differences Notes

ESSAY PLAN: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of TWO or more METHODS of assessing and understanding individual differences in personality.

RELATE TO INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES ALWAYS

Biological methods

Genetics

Allow us to identify the role of genetics in human pair bonding

Walum et al., 2008:

Males carrying allele 334 of the VAS receptor 1a gene

• Reported more marital problems

• Less likely to get married

• F partner reports less quality in the rel particularly affection

BUT correlation does not mean causation

• More recent study suggests 334 is associated with increased amygdala activity which is linked with high anxiety

• Allele 334 assoc with ASD which is linked with low affection, so no direct link between the gene and pair bonding

• Also perhaps allele 334 actually linked to being argumentative and stubborn which reduces pair bonding

• Ie no direct link and many different interacting factors within it

genetic studies allow us to identify a risk allele explaining differences in pair bonding, however we must be careful not to assume a direct causal link

Hormonal

Allows us to identify the role of hormones causing individual differences in human pair bonding

Arguably better than genetics in the sense that it allows within subjects tests therefore reducing confounding variables as the Ps can act as their own baseline

Gonzaga, 2006:

F Ps relive a positive emotion regarding love with their M partners present

Blood drawn from Ps during this and earlier baseline condition tested for OXT content

Non-verbal romantic and sexual behaviour observed

% romantic displays correlated positively with increase in oxytocin relative to first baseline

HOWEVER:

Turner et al., 1999: high OT associated with high interpersonal distress

Taylor et al., 2006: negative correlations between OT and marriage quality

this contradicts other research BUT perhaps this is because OT increases in order to trigger a search for affiliative contact

Nevertheless hormone studies still good as identify a role of hormones in human pair boding, regardless of the direction, and reduce effect of confounding variables

BUT again correlational, cannot assume causation

Nagasawa et al., 2009:

Dog owners interacted with their dogs for 30 mins or were told not to look at their dogs directly

Measure OT concentrations in urine samples before and 20mins after interaction with dogs

Urinary OT was higher in those who gazed at dogs than those who didn’t

interactions with dogs can increase OT concentrations in humans as a manifestation of attachment behaviour

Suggests a reciprocal relationship between OXTsocial behaviours and social behavioursOXT

Neuroimaging - fMRI

Allows us to identify function of a specific brain region as brain regions are active when doing a certain activity excellent spatial resolution

Therefore allow us to see that individual differences are due to specific individual differences in brain...

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