1.2 Hormones, Pheromones and Behaviour
Hormones and behaviour
There are 50 hormones in our body which are all collectively responsible for different
functions. Hormones are also chemical messengers. They are secreted by glands and are a
part of the endocrine system in our body. However, they are released into the bloodstream
and regulate slower processes in comparison to neurotransmitters. They activate cells
located at a longer distance, take longer to be stimulated and have a more sustained effect
on the body.
Two common hormones that are often used to answer the question of how hormones affect
behaviour are: Cortisol and Oxytocin.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone related to immune system functioning. It is secreted by the
adrenal gland. High levels of this and health risks are related to poorer performance with
retrieval tasks of memory. However, slightly elevated cortisol is said to improve learning and
processing of information over the short-term. Ackerman et al(2013) is a study which helps
show how differences in cortisol levels predict picture encoding(learning) and recall.
Baumgartner et al(2008) -Oxytocin= made in the hypothalamus which is then transported
to the Pituitary gland where it is secreted. It plays a role in social
bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth and trust. It is also often
known as the ‘love hormone’.
-Placebo= no therapeutic value and has no effect on the
participants.
AMPRC: Aim: To investigate whether Oxytocin helps facilitate trust in a
game where trust is questioned.
Method: It is a laboratory experiment with a fixed set of control
variables. It also follows an independent measure design.
Procedure:
-49 participants were recruited and made to do an fMRI scan.
-They were then separated into two groups:
Group 1: The participants were given a placebo nasal spray.
Group 2: Participants were given a nasal spray with the hormone
oxytocin.
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Hormones and behaviour
There are 50 hormones in our body which are all collectively responsible for different
functions. Hormones are also chemical messengers. They are secreted by glands and are a
part of the endocrine system in our body. However, they are released into the bloodstream
and regulate slower processes in comparison to neurotransmitters. They activate cells
located at a longer distance, take longer to be stimulated and have a more sustained effect
on the body.
Two common hormones that are often used to answer the question of how hormones affect
behaviour are: Cortisol and Oxytocin.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone related to immune system functioning. It is secreted by the
adrenal gland. High levels of this and health risks are related to poorer performance with
retrieval tasks of memory. However, slightly elevated cortisol is said to improve learning and
processing of information over the short-term. Ackerman et al(2013) is a study which helps
show how differences in cortisol levels predict picture encoding(learning) and recall.
Baumgartner et al(2008) -Oxytocin= made in the hypothalamus which is then transported
to the Pituitary gland where it is secreted. It plays a role in social
bonding, sexual reproduction, childbirth and trust. It is also often
known as the ‘love hormone’.
-Placebo= no therapeutic value and has no effect on the
participants.
AMPRC: Aim: To investigate whether Oxytocin helps facilitate trust in a
game where trust is questioned.
Method: It is a laboratory experiment with a fixed set of control
variables. It also follows an independent measure design.
Procedure:
-49 participants were recruited and made to do an fMRI scan.
-They were then separated into two groups:
Group 1: The participants were given a placebo nasal spray.
Group 2: Participants were given a nasal spray with the hormone
oxytocin.
16
