Exam 1

Question 1

Single cell recording

Answer 1

Examining individual neurons on the brain. Specific orientations cause action potentials

Question 2

What is PET imaging and how does it work. Does it have limitations?

Answer 2

Inject radio active tracer. The parts of the brain that “light up” do so because there is more blood flow and therefore more radioactive particles

Dangerous bc of radiation
Bad temporal and spatial resolution

Question 3

What is fMRI imaging and how does it work. Does it have limitations?

Answer 3

Measures blood O2 levels. More activity leads to more oxygen rich blood areas causing it to “light up”

Better spatial resolution
Better temporal resolution
Less dangerous bc no radiation

Question 4

What is Diffuse Optical Tomography imaging and how does it work. Does it have limitations?

Answer 4

Shines light into the brain and measures O2 levels by detecting changes in light.

Good temporal resolution
Worse spatial resolution than fMRI
Portable equipment

Question 5

Absolute threshold

Answer 5

The minimum intensity of a stimulation required to produce a sensation (lowest detectable intensity)

Question 6

Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference – JND)

Answer 6

The minimum difference in intensity between two stimulus that can be detected (smallest detectable amount of change in a stimulus)

Question 7

What is the Method of Limits

Answer 7

A way of measuring the absolute threshold. Provide stimuli in a orderly series. Notice when the subject detects the stimulus

Question 8

Problems (2) with the Method of Limits and their solution

Answer 8

Error of habituation or perseveration. Subject keeps reporting that they detect the stimulus even if they don’t.

Solution: give both descending and ascending series

Error of anticipation: subject remembers how many stimulus they detect (or didn’t)

Solution: stagger the starting point of successive series

Question 9

Method of Adjustment

Answer 9

Same as method of limits except you are CONTINUOUSLY ADJUSTING the stimulus