Approaches to Studying the Brain

Question 1

Brain Functions

Answer 1

• Keeping you alive (beating heart, breathing)
• Focussing on information
• Regulates nutrient content in bloodstream
• Processes external information
• Responds to external information

Question 2

Approaches of Studying the Brain Over Time

Answer 2

• Brain versus heart debate
• Mind-body problem
• Phrenology

Question 3

Brain Versus Heart Debate

Answer 3

We now know thanks to empirical scientific evidence that the brain is responsible for our mental functioning, feelings and behaviour.

Question 4

Brain Hypothesis

Answer 4

Thoughts and feelings are rooted in the brain.

Question 5

Heart Hypothesis

Answer 5

Thoughts and feelings are rooted in the heart.

Question 6

Mind-Body Problem

Answer 6

Relates to whether or not the mind is linked to the body or if it is separate. Many religious beliefs hold that the two are separate.

Question 7

Dualism

Answer 7

The mind and body are two distinct things but interact to produce sensations, thoughts, emotions and other conscious experiences.

Question 8

Monism

Answer 8

The view that the mind and the body are one and the same thing.

Question 9

Phrenology

Answer 9

Gall’s (1758-1828) phrenology explored the relationship between the skulls surface features and an individuals personality characteristics.