CLOA - discuss use of tech in investigating a cognitive process

Question 1

PET

Answer 1

position emission topography

• injects radioactive sugar that produces gamma rays while it’s being metabolised by the brain
• relies on knowledge that parts of the brain will metabolise sugar at different rates
• depending on activity
• can show dynamic info but is less precise than fMRI
• health concerns

Study involving PET:
- Maguire et al. (1997)

Question 2

Maguire et al. (1997) - Aim

Answer 2

investigate if the hippocampus is involved with spatial memory

Question 3

Maguire et al. (1997) - Process

Answer 3

• PET scans were conducted on London taxi drivers

- during scanning they were asked to recall routes around London and famous landmarks (that were not on taxi routes)

Question 4

Maguire et al. (1997) - Findings

Answer 4

• hippocampus more active when asked about routes

- less active when asked about famous landmarks (likely because they were irrelevant in day-to-day life)

Question 5

Maguire et al. (1997) - Conclusion

Answer 5

hippocampus is involved in spatial memory

Question 6

MRI

Answer 6

magnetic resonance imaging

• maps the changes in alignment of H atoms due to a magnetic field
• can be used for 3-D imaging
• produces images of slices of brain from any angle
• exposure to magnetism can be dangerous

Study involving MRI:
- Maguire et al. (2000)

Question 7

Maguire et al. (2000) - Aim

Answer 7

to investigate neuroplasticity of the hippocampus in individuals where spatial memory is frequently recalled

Question 8

Maguire et al. (2000) - Process

Answer 8

MRI scans of taxi drivers were compared to that of male non-taxi drivers

Question 9

Maguire et al. (2000) - Findings

Answer 9

in drivers’ brains, left and right hippocampus were significantly larger in volume but other parts were smaller

Question 10

benefits of using tech to investigate cognitive processes

Answer 10

• cognition always involves neuronal activity in the brain
• using brain imaging tech helps us understand the complexity of† activity in the neuronal network when carrying out cognitive processes that underpin behaviour WHILE they are taking place
• mention PET and MRI and explain their use + potential hazards
• neuroimaging can register dynamic changes (e.g. in oxygen and glucose consumption) in the brain
• researchers can then connect areas in the brain to specific cognitive processes (i.e. localization of function)
• neuroimaging has revealed that cognitive processes are mediated by a network of† distributed interacting brain
  regions with each area making specific contributions
• useful in diagnosing brain disease/damage that
  causes problems in cognitive ‚functioning (e.g. Alzheimer’s)

Question 11

problems with using tech to investigate cognitive processes

Answer 11

• it’s tempting to use localization of function to explain all human behaviour
• which is reductionist as it is too simple
• the neuroplasticity of the brain means they can be open to change
• low ecological validity: scanning takes place in highly artificial environments

Question 12

what to write when asked “evaluate the use of tech in investigating cognitive processes”

Answer 12

• cognitive process: memory, use of tech: PET, MRI
• explain MRI/PET and their uses + potential hazards
• describe related studies (MRI: Maguire et al, 2000; PET: Maguire et al, 1997)
• explain pros + cons of using tech
• include background info/reasons for every point
• give your own judgment and opinion supported by evidence
• while discussing strengths and limitations, make clear comments about its significance, usefulness (e.g. how applicable it is, its usefulness in explaining sth), accuracy