Experimental Methods in Cognitive Neuroscience Flashcards
Causation
One thing causes another.
-Action A causes outcome B
Correlation
Statistical measure describing the relationship between action A and action B.
Correlation is not causation
Just because two variables are correlated does not
mean one causes the other
Ex. More people die in bed than on public transportation – this
does not imply that you should avoid going to bed!
Brain Measurement Example
Participants make choices between gambles and brain activity when people choose “relatively safe” gambles is contrasted with activity when people choose “riskier” gambles.
Brain Measurement
Measure changes in brain function while a research participant engages in some cognitive activity.
Causal Research
Brain
Correlational Research
Temporal Resolution
Refers to the frequency in time with which
measurements or manipulations can be made.
Spatial Resolution
Refers to the ability to distinguish
adjacent brain regions that differ in function
Invasive Techniques
Introduce a chemical or recording device into the body.
Physical Brain Measurement Technique
Balance Table for Measuring Blood Flow to Brain
Noninvasive Techniques
Record brain signals using sensors outside the body.
Single Unit Recording
Measures action potentials by measuring neuron voltage changes
What is an advantage of single unit recording?
What is a disadvantage of single unit recording?
