SLO #3:Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behaviour

To start things off:

In this answer, I will use examples to explain functions of two hormones in human behaviour. The two hormones are: (choose two)

Keep it nice and straightforward – remembering to restate the question in your first sentence.

So what are HORMONES anyway?

Hormones – another class of chemicals (similar to neurotransmitters) that affect behaviour.

They are produced by the glands that make up the

ENDOCRINE system.

How are Hormones different from Neurotransmitters?

- Hormones enter directly into the bloodstream, so they take longer to produce changes in behaviour than neurotransmitters

- However, some chemicals serve as both hormones and neurotransmitters (e.g. norepinephrine)

Some Hormones and their Functions

Hormone Glands FunctionAdrenaline Adrenals Flight or fight response,

arousal ,

Cortisol Adrenals Arousal, stress hormone, memory

Melatonin Pineal Regulation of sleep

Oxytocin Pituitary and hypothalamus

Mother-child attachment

Testosterone and oestrogen

Gonads Development, emotion

We will look at THREE hormones specifically, but remember that the

most you’ll be asked about on an exam question is TWO. You can choose the

two that you understand the best.

Hormone #1 : OXYTOCIN (aka the ‘love hormone’ or the ‘trust hormone’)

A hormone produced by hypothalamus after being stimulated by pituitary gland

Plays a role in inducing labour contractions and lactation (breast feeding)

Role in human social bonding (before this was discovered, it was found to have the same effect with animals). And also a role in stress reduction

OXYTOCIN cont.

Released with touches and hugs (awwwww)

Appears to effect the firing of the neurons of the amygdala.

Effective mediator of human social behaviour

If oxytocin is given to healthy individuals, brain circuits involved in fear regulation are affected and there is an increase in trust and generosity

Study: Morhenn et al. (2008)

In your green textbook, read this study on page 57-58.

Do this alone, and after a few minutes you will partner up to discuss the findings.

BETTER:http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/11/study-oxytocin-the-love-hormone-makes-men-in-relationships-want-to-stay-away-from-other-women/265314/

Hormone #2: Melatonin (aka ‘the Dracula Hormone’)

Produced by the pineal gland and is stimulated by darkness and inhibited by light (Dracula)…..its role is to ‘turn off’ the body

Melatonin levels in the bloodstream peak in the middle of the night and gradually decrease toward morning

Seasons – SAD (seasonal affective disorder) might be linked to melatonin levels. - some temperate climates with 18 hours of darkness in winter

- higher levels of SAD in Scandinavia

- Phototherapy used as treatment

Jet lag

Study: Avery et al. (2001)

Please read this study on page 56-57 of your green text. Then check your understanding with a partner.

Hormone #3: Testosterone

Let’s look at this hormone on OneNote. This is also an option for your exam question.

EXAM STRATEGY:In this answer I will explain functions of two hormones on human behaviour and use examples to illustrate my work.

Hormones are

An example of a hormone is:

This affects human behaviour by:

A study that illustrates this was carried out by:

The aim of this study was:

The method of this study was:

The results of this study were:

Another example of a hormone is:

This effects human behaviour by:

The aim of this study was:

The method of this study was:

The results of this study were: