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Cassandra is addicted to nicotine, and smokes over 30 cigarettes a day - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 18 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 18
Cassandra is addicted to nicotine, and smokes over 30 cigarettes a day. When she smokes a cigarette Cassandra feels the effects almost immediately. She sometimes fee... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Cassandra is addicted to nicotine, and smokes over 30 cigarettes a day - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 18 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
AO1: Explain the Biological Mechanism of Nicotine Addiction
Answer
Nicotine acts on neurotransmitters within a few seconds, as it goes from the lungs into the bloodstream and then into the brain. Nicotine molecules are similar to acetylcholine (ACh) molecules and bind to ACh receptors in the brain. Once nicotine has attached to the ACh receptors, it stimulates these neurons to fire more frequently, leading to feelings of alertness and relaxation. Additionally, nicotine increases dopamine levels in the reward pathway, enhancing feelings of happiness.
Moreover, when smoking, the action of cigarettes may decrease the level of monoamine oxidase (MAO), resulting in reduced breakdown of dopamine, contributing further to its addictive nature.
Step 2
AO2: Relate the Mechanism to Cassandra's Experience
Answer
As Cassandra smokes cigarettes, the nicotine quickly reaches her brain, resulting in immediate effects such as increased alertness and relaxation, which she experiences after smoking a cigarette. The binding of nicotine to ACh receptors explains why she feels happier and notices improvement in her memory. Her escalation from five to over thirty cigarettes may reflect her brain's adaptation to the increased levels of dopamine and the changes in neurotransmitter handling due to prolonged nicotine exposure.
Step 3
AO3: Assess the Extent of Biological Explanation
Answer
While biological explanations offer insight into nicotine addiction, they are not exhaustive. Studies such as Kenny and Markou (2006) show that self-administered nicotine increases sensitivity in the brain's reward system, potentially elucidating why individuals, like Cassandra, become heavily reliant on smoking. Furthermore, Burnell et al. (2010) highlight the role of specific nicotinic ACh receptors in addiction. Although these biological factors influence addiction, environmental aspects and personal choices also contribute significantly, indicating that the biological explanation should be viewed as one part of a multifaceted problem.