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Psychology Alevel > Biopsychology > Flashcards

Biopsychology Flashcards

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1
Q

In the early 19th century what did scientists support

A

The holistic theory of the brain - all parts were involved in the process of thought and action

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2
Q

What is the localisation theory

A

Theory that different areas of the brain are responsible for different behaviours, processes or activities

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3
Q

What is the brain divided into

A

Two symmetrical halves called left and right hemispheres

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4
Q

What is lateralisation

A

Idea that two halves of the brain are functionally different and that certain mental processes and behaviours are mainly controlled by one hemisphere rather than the other

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5
Q

What is the left hand side of the body controlled by

A

The right hemisphere

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6
Q

What is the right hand side of the body controlled by

A

The left hemisphere

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7
Q

Characteristics of the cerebral cortex

A

Covers inner parts of the brain.
3mm thick and is what separates us from lower animals as it is highly developed.
Appears grey.

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8
Q

What does the cerebral cortex appear grey

A

Due to the location of cell bodies (‘grey matter’)

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9
Q

What is the cortex of both hemispheres divided into

A

Four loves: frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal

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10
Q

What is at the back of the frontal lobe

A

The motor area which controls voluntary movement on the other side of the body

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11
Q

What does damage to the motor area result in

A

A loss of control over fine motor movements

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12
Q

What is at the front of both parietal lives

A

Somatosensory area where sensory information from the skin is represented (touch, heat, pressure)

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13
Q

What denotes a particular body parts sensitivity

A

Amount of somatosensory area devoted to that area

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14
Q

What is in the occipital area at the back of the brain

A

The visual area. Each eye sends information from the right visual field to the left visual cortex and from the left visual field to the right visual cortex

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15
Q

What is the visual area/cortex

A

Part of the occipital love that receives and processes visual informtistionn

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16
Q

What is the frontal lobe

A

Area of the brain responsible for logical thinking and making decisions

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17
Q

What is the motor cortex

A

Part of the brain responsible for controlling movement

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18
Q

What csn damage to the occipital lobe in the left hemisphere result in

A

Produce blindness in part of the right visual field of both eyes

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19
Q

What is in the temporal lobe

A

Auditory area which analyses speech-based information

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20
Q

What can damage to the temporal lobe result in

A

Partial hearing loss, the more extensive the damage the more serious the loss

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21
Q

Who identified a small area in the left frontal lobe responsible for speech production

A

Broca

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22
Q

What did broca find

A

Broca’s area - an area in the frontal lobe of the brain in the left hemisphere responsible for speech production

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23
Q

What does damage to Broca’s areas cause

A

Brocas aphasia which is characterised by speech that is slow, laborious and lacking in fluency. Patients may have difficultly finding words and naming certain objects or difficultly using prepositions and conjunctions ( small words that link sentences)

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24
Q

Who identified an area in the back of the temporal lobe important for language comprehension

A

Wernicke

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25
Q

What did Wernicke find

A

Wernickes area in the back of the temporal lobe. Patients with damage in this area had no problem producing language but severe difficulties understanding it - speech was fluent but meaningless.

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26
Q

What do patients that have Wernickes aphasia often produce

A

Nonsense words (neologisms) as part of the content in their speech

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27
Q

Strength of localisation theory (evidence)

A

Brain scan evidence to support. Supports that many neurological functions are localised particularly in related to language and memory. Tulving did a study on memory and revealed that semantic and episodic are located in different parts of the frontal cortex. This provides sound scientific evidence of localisation.

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28
Q

Limitation of localisation of function

A

Existence of contradictory research. Lashley suggests that higher cognitive functions such are processes involved in learning are not localised but distributed more holistically. Lashley remover areas of the cortex in rats that were learning a maze. No areas were shown to be more important in the rats ability to learn the maze. Process of learning seemed to require every part of the cortex rather than being confined to a single area. Suggests learning is too complex to be localised and is more holistic

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29
Q

Limitation of localisation theory (neural plasticity)

A

Argument against localisation is neural plasticity. When the brain has become damaged and a particular function has been compromised, the brain appears able to reorganise itself in an attempt to recover the lost function. Lashley describes this as the law of equipotentiality where surviving brain circuits chip in so the same neurological action can be achieved. This does not happen every time but there are several documented cases of stroke victims being able to recover abilities that were seemingly lost

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30
Q

Strength of localisation of function (case studies)

A

Support form case studies.
Phineas Gage received brain damage in an accident.
He went from someone who was calm and reserved to someone who was rude and quick tempered.
Change in gages temperament suggest that the front lobe may be responsible for regulating mood

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31
Q

During infancy what does the brain experience

A

A rapid growth in synaptic connections. This peaks at approx 15,000 at age 2-3 years

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32
Q

What is synaptic pruning

A

As we age rarely used connections are deleted and frequently used connections are strengthened

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33
Q

What does more recent restful into synaptic connections suggest

A

That neural connections can change it be formed at any time in life as a result of learning and experience

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34
Q

What is neural plasticity

A

Describes the brains tendency to change and adapt (functionally and physically) as a result of experience and new learning

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35
Q

What is plasticity also referred to as

A

Cortical remapping

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36
Q

Key study into the concept of neural plasticity

A

Maguire et al

37
Q

What did maguire study

A

The brain of London taxi drivers and found significantly more volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampus than a matched control group. Appears learning through experience alters the structure of the taxi drivers brains.

38
Q

What is the posterior hippocampus sssocsted with

A

The development of spatial and navigational skills

39
Q

As part of their training, what do London cabbies have to take

A

A complex test called ‘the Knowledge’ which assesses their recall of the city streets and possible routes

40
Q

What did Maguire find about the taxi drivers brains in relation to how long they’ve worked

A

The longer they’d been in the job the more pronounced the structural difference

41
Q

Secondary study into plasticity

A

Draganski

42
Q

What did Draganski find

A

He imaged the brains of medical students three months before and after their final exams. Learning-induced changes were seen to have occurred in the posterior hippocampus and the parietal cortex, presumably as a result of the exam

43
Q

What is functional recovery

A

Form of plasticity. Following damage through trauma, the brains ability to redistribute or transfer functions usually performed by a damaged area to other undsmshed areas

44
Q

Example of neural plasticity

A

Functional recovery

45
Q

What is spontaneous recovery in relation to functional recovery

A

Neuroscientists suggest the process of functional recovery can occur very quickly after trauma which is spontaneous recovery.
It then slows down at which point the person may require rehabilitative therapy.

46
Q

How does the brain rewire and reorganise itself after damage

A

It forms new synaptic connections close to the area of damage. Secondary neural pathways that would not typically be used to carry out certain functions are activitsted and enables functioning to continue

47
Q

Three ways structural changes may happen

A

Axonal sprouting
Reformation of blood vessels
Recruitment of homologous areas on the opposite side of the brain to perform specific tasks

48
Q

What is axonal sprouting

A

The growth of new nerve endings which connect with other undamaged nerve cells to form new neuronal pathways

49
Q

Strength of research into pasticisty and functional recovery

A

Practical applications.
Understanding the processes in pasticity has contributed to the field of neurorehabilitstion.
This make include electrical stimulation of the brain to counter the defecits that may be experienced following a stroke for example.
This shows that the research has been used to help people after trauma

50
Q

Limitation of neural plasticity (negative consequences)

A

Negative consequences. 60-80% of amputees develop phantom limb syndrome, these sensations are usually unpleasant and painful and thought to be due to reorganisation in the somatosensory cortex. Such evidence suggests that the structural and physical processes in functional recovery may not always be beneficial

51
Q

Strength of plasticity (case studies)

A

Documentated cases of people developing echo location after losing their sight. After losing sight at a young age some people are able to compensate by learning echo location - not usually a synaptic connections we have access to. This suggests that there has been rewiring in the brain to create the neural pathway supporting the theory of functional recovery.

52
Q

What is an example of hemispheric lateralisation

A

Ability to reproduce and understand language.

53
Q

Which hemisphere controls language

A

Left hemisphere

54
Q

Who investigated split brain respect

A

Sperry

55
Q

What is Spit brain research

A

A series of studies involving epileptic patients who have experienced a surgical separation of the hemispheres of the brain. Allows researchers in investigate the extent to which brain function is based

56
Q

Who did Sperrys split brain reaerch involve

A

Participants who had undergone the same surgical procedure ( a commisuortomy). In this operation the corpus callosum which connects the two hemispheres is cut to control epileptic seizures. The Consequence is the hemisphere can no longer communicate with each other.

57
Q

What did Sperrys research allow him to see

A

This allowed Sperry to see the extent to which the two hemispheres were specialised for certain functions and how they perform tasks independently from one and other

58
Q

What was Sperrys procedure

A

An image or word could be projected to a patients right visual field (processes by left hemisphere) and the same or different image could be projected to the left visual field (processes by right hemisphere). In the split brain the information could not be conveyed from the chosen hemisphere to the other like a normal brain would do

59
Q

Findings of Sperrys study (describing what was seen)

A

Whena picture was shown to a patients right visual field the patient could describe it. However if the picture was shown to the left visual field the patient couldn’t describe what was seen. Patients inability to describe objects in the left visual field (processes by right hemisphere) is because of the lack of language centres in the right hemisphere in most people. In normal brain the messages received by the RH would be relayed via the corpus callosum to the language centres in the LH

60
Q

What is the connection between teo hemispheres called

A

Corpus callosum

61
Q

Findings of Sperrys respect (recognition by touch)

A

They couldn’t attach verbal labels to objects (as left hemisphere is needed for this) but could select a matching object from a bag using their left hand (connected to the right hemisphere which receives information from the left visual field). Objects placed behind a screen so couldn’t be seen.
Left hand also able to select objects that were closely associated with the picture like an ashtray in response to a cigarette.

62
Q

Findings of Sperrys research (composite words and matching faces)

A

Two words presented in either side of the visual field. If key was presented to left and ring to the right the patient would select a key with their left hand (left hand controlled by right hemisphere linked to left visual field) and day the word ring (right visual field linked to left hemisphere)

63
Q

Why does the right hemisphere appear to be dominant in terms of matching faces

A

When patients asked to match a face from a series of other faces he picture processes by the right hemisphere (left visual field) was consistently selected.

64
Q

In Sperrys study when a compost Ute picture made up of two different halves of a face was presented what happened

A

The left hemisphere dominated in terms of verbal description whereas the right hemisphere dominated in terms of selecting a matching picture

65
Q

Strength of Sperrys work

A

Prompted a debate about the nature of the brain. Some say that the two hemispheres are so functionally different they repsresenr a form of duality in the brain - that in effect we are two minds. In contrast, others argue that they hemispheres are a highly integrated system and work together during most takes. The value of Sperrys work is promoting this debate

66
Q

Limitation of Sperrys work

A

Issues with generalisation. Many researchers have said that split brain studies can not be widely accepted as the patients are an unusual sample of people. There were only 11 pettiness who took part in the procedure all of whom had a history of epileptic seizures. Could be argued this caused unique changes in the brain that may have influenced findings. Limits he extent to which the findings can be generalised to normal brains reducing the validity

67
Q

Strength and weakness of Sperrys work

A

Demonstrates lateralised brain functions. Left hemisphere is geared towards analytic and verbal tasks whilst the right is more adept at performing spatial and music showing the lateralised function. However recent research has suggested that even this distinctions may be overly simplified and that several tasks are associated with one hemisphere cns be successfully carried by the other

68
Q

What are four ways of investigating the brain

A

FMRI
EEG
ERPs
Post mortem

69
Q

Why do psychologists use medical techniques

A

So they can investigate localisation in the brain

70
Q

How does FMRIS work

A

They detect changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occurs due to neural activity in specific brain areas. When a brain is more active it consumes more oxygen and blood flow is directed to the active area. FMRI produce a 3D image showing which part of the brain are involved in particular mental processes

71
Q

What is the name for blood flow being directed to the active area

A

Haemodynamic response

72
Q

How do EEGs work

A

Measures electrical activity within the brain via electrodes using a skull cap. The scan recording represents overall brain activity. EEG is often used as a diagnostic tool.

73
Q

What is brain activity

A

The brain wave pattern generated from millions of neurons

74
Q

What may unusual arrhythmic patterns of brain activity indicate

A

Abnormalities such as epilepsy, tumours or sleep disorder

75
Q

How to ERPS work

A

Using a statistical technique, all extraneous brain activity from an EEG recording is filtered out leaving only the responses that relate to for example the presentation of a specific stimulus. What remains are ERP.

76
Q

What are ERPS

A

Event related potentials - types of brainwave that are triggered by particular events.

77
Q

What has research revealed about ERP

A

There are many different forms and how these are linked to cognitive processes such as perception and attention

78
Q

What is a post mortem examination

A

Technique involving the analysis of a persons brain following their death. Areas of the brain are examined to establish the likely cause of someone’s death - this may involve comparison with a neurotypical brain in order to assess the extent of difference

79
Q

Strengths of FMRI

A
  • unlike other scanning techniques like PET it does not reply on the use of radiation so it is safe
  • it is non invasive
  • produces high spatial resolution showing detail to the millimetre which means it can provide a clear picture of his brain activity is localised
80
Q

Weakness of FMRI

A
  • expensive
  • can only capture a clear image if the person stays still
  • poor temporal reduction because there is around a 5 second lag time behind the image on the screen and the initial firing of neural activity. Means it may not truest represent moment to moment brain activity
81
Q

Strengths of EEG

A
  • proved invaluable in diagnosing conditions such as epilepsy
  • contributed to our understanding of the stages in sleep
  • extremely high temporal resolution (can accurately detect brain actuary at a resolution of a single millisecond)
82
Q

Weaknesses of EEG

A
  • not useful for pinpointing the exact source of neural activity
  • does not allow researchers to distinguish between activity coming from different but adjacent locations
83
Q

Strength of EPR

A
  • produce specific measurements of neural processes
  • much more specific than using raw EEG data
  • excellent temporal resolution like EEGS. Especially good wen compared to FMRI and this has led to widespread use in the measurement of cognitive functions and deficits
84
Q

Weakness of ERPS

A
  • lack of standardisation in ERP methodology between studies
  • this makes it difficult to confirm findings in studies involving ERPS
  • in order to establish pure data in ERP studies background noise and extraneous material must be completely eliminated which is difficult to achieve
85
Q

Strength of post mortem

A
  • vital in producing a foundation for early understanding of key processes in the brain e.g Einstein’s brain was found to be different to everyone else’s
  • broca and Wernicke relies on post mortem studies
  • improve medical knowledge
  • help generate hypotheses for further study
86
Q

Weakness of post mortem

A
  • causation may be an issue( observed damage may not be linked to deficits under review but another trauma)
  • raise ethical issues of consent from the patient before death S they may not be able to produced informed consent
87
Q

Example of patient where post mortem was done without consent

A

Patient HM who lost his ability to form memories and wasn’t able to provide full consent

88
Q

What does standardisation mean

A

Using exactly the same formalised procedures and instructions for all participants in a research study

Psychology Alevel (9 decks)

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