Photo AI

Last Updated Sep 27, 2025

Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia Simplified Revision Notes

Revision notes with simplified explanations to understand Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia quickly and effectively.

user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar

334+ students studying

12.2.2 Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia

Neural correlates:

Neural correlates refer to necessary brain activity to produce specific experiences. This includes measurements of brain structures that correlate with experiences, such as those linked to the symptoms of schizophrenia. The dopamine hypothesis is an example of a neural correlate, helping to explain both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia by examining the relationship between brain structures and these symptoms.

Other examples include:

The prefrontal cortex – many people with schizophrenia have lower activity in this area which could be linked to delusions. The prefrontal cortex helps people to organise their thoughts logically

Dopaminelow levels in certain areas are linked to negative symptoms as these are linked to a loss of pleasure. High levels in certain brain areas are linked to positive symptoms

Activity in the ventral striatum has been linked to the development of avolition. The ventral striatum is believed to be involved with the anticipation of a reward for certain actions. Therefore, abnormality in areas such as this would result in a lack of motivation (avolition)

People with schizophrenia have abnormally large ventricles

Evaluation:

(1)

infoNote

P: Strong evidence supports a genetic link to schizophrenia.

infoNote

E: Family studies show that the likelihood of developing schizophrenia increases with genetic closeness to a relative with the disorder. Twin studies show higher concordance rates for monozygotic (MZ) twins compared to dizygotic (DZ) twins.

infoNote

E: This suggests a genetic component in schizophrenia, supporting the genetic explanation.

(2)

infoNote

P: Genetic explanations may be confounded by environmental factors.

infoNote

E: MZ twins often share more similar environments than DZ twins, potentially inflating concordance rates due to shared environmental influences rather than genetics alone.

infoNote

E: This suggests that the genetic explanation is not fully sufficient and environmental factors must also be considered.

(3)

infoNote

P: Genetic understanding can lead to early intervention.

infoNote

E: Identifying individuals at genetic risk can help in monitoring and possibly preventing the onset of schizophrenia through early intervention strategies.

infoNote

E: This practical application highlights the utility of genetic research in clinical settings.

(4)

infoNote

P: Biological explanations are often criticized for being reductionist.

infoNote

E: These explanations attempt to explain a complex disorder solely at the level of genetics, potentially neglecting the complex interplay of psychological, social, and environmental factors.

infoNote

E: This reductionism can lead to an incomplete understanding of the disorder, emphasising the need for a more holistic approach.

Books

Only available for registered users.

Sign up now to view the full note, or log in if you already have an account!

500K+ Students Use These Powerful Tools to Master Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia

Enhance your understanding with flashcards, quizzes, and exams—designed to help you grasp key concepts, reinforce learning, and master any topic with confidence!

20 flashcards

Flashcards on Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia

Revise key concepts with interactive flashcards.

Try Psychology Flashcards

2 quizzes

Quizzes on Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia

Test your knowledge with fun and engaging quizzes.

Try Psychology Quizzes

29 questions

Exam questions on Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia

Boost your confidence with real exam questions.

Try Psychology Questions

27 exams created

Exam Builder on Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia

Create custom exams across topics for better practice!

Try Psychology exam builder

18 papers

Past Papers on Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia

Practice past papers to reinforce exam experience.

Try Psychology Past Papers

Other Revision Notes related to Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia you should explore

Discover More Revision Notes Related to Neural Correlates of Schizophrenia to Deepen Your Understanding and Improve Your Mastery

96%

114 rated

Explanations of Schizophrenia

The Genetic Basis of Schizophrenia

user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar
user avatar

437+ studying

185KViews
Load more notes

Join 500,000+ A-Level students using SimpleStudy...

Join Thousands of A-Level Students Using SimpleStudy to Learn Smarter, Stay Organized, and Boost Their Grades with Confidence!

97% of Students

Report Improved Results

98% of Students

Recommend to friends

500,000+

Students Supported

50 Million+

Questions answered