Brain Structure and Functions

Question 1

What are the benefits of modifying the brain and observing the effects on behavior?

Answer 1

1. Researchers can develop hypotheses about how the brain affects behavior and test these hypotheses
2. Researchers can develop animal models of neurological and psychiatric disorders

Question 2

What are techniques to measure the electrical activity of the brain?

Answer 2

Four major techniques:
1. Single-cell recording
2. Electroencephalography (EEG)
3. Event-related potentials (ERP)
4. Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Question 3

What are the characteristics of fMRI spatial and temporal resolution?

Answer 3

fMRI allows for GOOD SPATIAL RESOLUTION, but the TEMPORAL RESOLUTION OF fMRI IS NOT AS PRECISE. High spatial, low temporal. fMRI is used to study function; measures brain functioning when engaging in specific tasks

Question 4

Anatomical vs. Functional brain imaging techniques

Answer 4

Anatomical imaging presents a STATIC IMAGE (x-rays and MRIs), and functional brain imaging can TRACK CHANGES IN BRAIN ACTIVITY OVER TIME

Question 5

CT scan benefits and drawbacks

Answer 5

Benefits: presents accurate structural picture of brain
Drawbacks: can’t differentiate white matter from gray matter

Question 6

Techniques used to determine a receptor system’s role in the CNS

Answer 6

Introducing drugs/drug manipulation

Question 7

Methods of testing planning capability

Answer 7

Tower of Hanoi Test - moving discs in as few moves as possible to match picture