Chapter 3.1 Flashcards
Biological Psychologists/ Neuroscientists
-study the brain and behaviour
Phrenology
-exploration of the shape, size, and protrusions of the cranium
-super popular in 1820s
-incorrect map of the mind
-pseudoscience; was falsifiable
Original Phrenology Beliefs
-brain is sole organ of the mind
-character traits + intelligence are inherited
-differences between people result from structural brain differences
Disproved Phrenology Beliefs
-it was found that areas they thought corresponded to traits did not lead to deficits
Phrenology Example
Scientists saw bumps or divots in the shape of neural areas as strengths or weaknesses in traits and brain functions
Electrical Stimulation
-investigating brain function by electrically stimulating brain during neurosurgery
-supported that neural communication was electrical
Wilder Penfield
-American-Canadian neurosurgeon
-integral to development and expansion of this technique (electrical stimulation of the brain during surgery)
-“Burnt Toast” video
Lesion Studies
-specific area was damaged to understand the impairment
-done on animal models
Electroencephalograph (EEG)
-recording of the brain’s electrical activity at the surface of the skull
-developed by Hans Berger in 1929
-tells which areas of brain are active during specific tasks
EEG Advantages
-non-invasive
-high temporal resolution
EEG Disadvantges
-doesn’t tell us about individual cell activity
-doesn’t tell us about brain region activation with accuracy or in the deep brain
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
-scanning technique using multiple x-rays to construct 3D images
CT Scan Advantages
-good for detecting dense tissue
CT Scan Disadvantages
-static image
-do details of activity
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
-technique that uses magnetic fields to indirectly visualize brain structure
-detect soft tissue
Advantages of MRI Over CT
-detects soft tissue
-higher spacial resolution
Disadvantages of MRI
-expensive
-static image
-no details regarding activity
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
-imaging technique that measures consumption of glucose-like molecules
-yields a picture of neural activity in different brain regions
-measures changes in activity in response to stimuli
PET Scan Advantages
-can attach radioactive isotopes to drugs to see where they are used
-shows activity
PET Scan Disadvantages
-invasive
-poor time course (static image)
-poor spatial resolution
Functional MRI (fMRI)
-uses magnetic fields to visualize brain activity
-detects changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occur in response to neural activity
fMRI Advantages
-see activity with good image clarity
fMRI Disadvantages
-sensitive to motion
-spatial resolution is just ok
-expensive
-poor temporal resolution (better than PET/CT)
Spatial Resolution
-ability to tell you which area is active
-ability to differentiate two adjacent structures as being distinct from each other
Temporal Resolution
-ability to tell you exactly when the activation happened
Static Image
-image doesn’t move
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
-applies strong and quickly changing magnetic fields to the surface of the skull that can either enhance or interrupt brain function
-allows us to see which brain areas are involved in processes
TMS Advantages
-can inhibit neural function
-allows us to infer causation
TMS Disadvantages
-can cause seizures if incorrectly used
-doesn’t work on deep brain, only cortex
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
-measures brain activity by detecting tiny magnetic fields generated by the brain
MEG Advantages
-excellent temporal resolution
-reasonable spatial resolution
MEG Disadvantages
-not good at detecting deep brain activity
-expensive
-high degree of expertise required
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
-electrodes are implanted within brain to provide stimulation detection to certain areas
-treatment of neuropsychological conditions
-assesses brain activity
DBS Disadvantages
-invasive - requires neurosurgery
-researchers have no control of where electrodes go
-must be implanted for medical purposes
Localization of Function
-certain brain areas are found to be particularly active during a specific psychological task
-caution for claims with limited evidence
Multiple Brain Regions
-multiple areas of the brain contribute to certain functions
-complex functions unlikely to be contained to one area
-depends on the task
-ie. Brocas Area