ORUC ET AL (1997) METHOD, DESIGN, SAMPLE

Question 1

What experimental method did Oruc et al (1997) use?

Answer 1

• Quasi-experiment (researchers couldn’t manipulate the IV= bipolar disorder)
• Lab experiment design (used molecular genetic techniques to compare DNA samples from Bipolar patients and control group)

Question 2

How much ppts were in the sample?

Answer 2

• 82 ppts (in total)
• Bipolar group- 42 ppts
• Control Group- 40 people

Question 3

How were the (Bipolar) ppts recurited?

Answer 3

recruited from 2 Croatian Hospitals.

Question 4

Describe the ‘experimental’/bipolar group?

Answer 4

• Type 1 bipolar
• 42 patients
• 25 females, 17 males.
• Age Range of 31-70 y/o
• 16 of them had a first-degree relative diagnosed with a major affective disorder like bipolar.

Question 5

Describe the control group

Answer 5

• 40 ppts
• No personal (or family) psychiatric histories)
• Matched to the bipolar group on age and gender.

Question 6

Summarise the sample of Oruc et al (1997)

Answer 6

• All 82 ppts were from Croatia.
• Bipolar/experimental group: 42 ppts from 2 Croatian hospitals, 25 females, 17 males, 31-70 y/o, 16 had a first-degree relative with MAD (bipolar)
• Control group: 40 ppts without a personal/ family history of psychiatric disorders,

Question 7

Gender- bipolar group?

Answer 7

17 males/ 25 females

Question 8

Age- Bipolar group?

Answer 8

31-70 y/o

Question 9

Summarise the procedure

Answer 9

1. Collection of medical records.
2. DNA testing
3. DNA anaysis

Question 10

Stage 1: Collection of medical records?

Answer 10

• The researchers requested family medical records of the ppts to confirm diagnosis of MADs.

Question 11

Stage 2: DNA testing?

Answer 11

• DNA testing was carried out to test whether whethere ther were any olymorphisms/ variations in genes RESPONSIBLE for regulating serotonin receptors/ transporters a
• Why? Alterations in these genes can lead to disturbances in specific biochemical pathways associated with depressive disorders.

these genes were the the 5HTR2A and 5HTR2C genes

Question 12

STAGE 3: DNA ANALYSIS

Answer 12

The results of the DNA analysis was compared between the control and bipolar group to look for significant factors.

Question 13

What research deign was used?

Answer 13

• Matched Pairs Design (control ppts matched the patient sample in terms of age and sex)