Localisation + Neurotransmission + Hormones + Pheromones

Question 1

Define localisation

Answer 1

specific areas of the cerebral cortex have specialised physical + psychological functions

Question 2

Function of frontal lobe (3)

Answer 2

facilitates problem solving, memory

major role in decision making

involved in how we think about our future selves

Question 3

Function of parietal lobe (3)

Answer 3

facilitates spatial processing, sensory processing, speech

spatial processing - perception of our 3D world + memories of space + distance

allows us to understand spoken language

Question 4

Function of occipital lobe (2)

Answer 4

facilitates vision

optic nerve connected to occipital lobe

Question 5

Function of temporal lobe (2)

Answer 5

located at side of brain (near temple)

processes sensory information, memories, speech + language

Question 6

Function of brain stem + cerebellum (3)

Answer 6

responsible for motor movements

communication with other brain regions

coordination of organ function

Question 7

Brain parts within limbic system (3)

Answer 7

amygdala

hippocampus

hypothalamus

Question 8

Functions of limbic system (3)

Answer 8

memory

emotion

motivation

Question 9

Function of amygdala

Answer 9

associated with fear + memory

Question 10

Function of hippocampus

Answer 10

associated with formation of memory

Question 11

Function of hypothalamus (2)

Answer 11

regulates autonomic nervous system

communicates with endocrine system

Question 12

Define the equipotential theory (2)

Answer 12

believes all areas of the brain are equally active in overall mental functioning

effects of damage to brain are determined by extent than location

Question 13

Function of broca zone

Answer 13

responsible for converting thought into speech

Question 14

Define lateralisation

Answer 14

dominance of the one hemisphere of the brain for specific physical + physchological properties

Question 15

Functions of the central core/brain stem (2)

Answer 15

regulates involuntary behaviours

e.g homeostasis, breathing, sleeping

Question 16

Brain imaging methods (5)

Answer 16

EEG

computer topography (CT)

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

positron emission topography (PET)

Question 17

Which brain imaging methods show brain structure (2)

Answer 17

CT

MRI

Question 18

Which brain imaging methods show brain function (2)

Answer 18

EEG

PET

Question 19

How PET scans work (4)

Answer 19

radioactive dye with glucose injected into participant

brain metabolises glucose

brain areas with more glucose metabolisation = more brain activity in that region

PET detects gamma rays

Question 20

How MRI works (3)

Answer 20

produces static image of brain

uses magnetic fields + pulses of radiowave energy

have high degree of detail

Question 21

How fMRI works (2)

Answer 21

large magnet creates images

changes in blood flow to different brain areas shows activity

Question 22

Advantages of fMRI (3)

Answer 22

does not use radiation

has better spatial definition

easy technology to use

Question 23

Advantages of brain imaging technology (3)

Answer 23

not invasive to participant

can expand psychological knowledge

can identify brain region involved in specific activity

Question 24

Disadvantages of brain imaging technology (4)

Answer 24

rely on precision of software

can be stressful for participant

measurment takes place in artifical scenario

expensive

Question 25

Define retrograde amnesia

Answer 25

inability to recall memories prior trauma

Question 26

Define anterograde amnesia

Answer 26

inability to recall memories post trauma

Question 27

Define neuroplasticity (2)

Answer 27

the ability of the brain to change/reorganise itself environment

by forming new connections between brain cells (neurons)

Question 28

Define structural plasticity

Answer 28

experiences or memories which change brain structure

Question 29

Define functional plasticity

Answer 29

brain functions move from damaged areas to undamaged areas

Question 30

Define synaptic plasticicty

Answer 30

connections between neurons become stronger or weaker depending on how often they are used

Question 31

What happens when we learn something new

Answer 31

dendritic branching - dendrites of neurons grow in number to connect with other neurons

Question 32

Define cortical remapping (2)

Answer 32

one part of the brain takes over functions of a damaged area

e.g phantom limb syndrome

Question 33

Define neuronal activity

Answer 33

connections between neurons strengthen when neurons are frequently activated together

Question 34

Define synaptic pruning

Answer 34

process of eliminating unused synapses

Question 35

Aim of Maguire et al study

Answer 35

investigate whether environmental traits would cause physical change in the brain

Question 36

Participants of Maguire et al study

Answer 36

16 male London taxi drivers

Question 37

Procedure of Maguire et al study (2)

Answer 37

MRI used to scan their brains

compared scans to a public MRI database

Question 38

Results of Maguire et al study

Answer 38

increased size of hippocampus compared with control (improved spatial memory)

Question 39

Implications of Maguire et al study

Answer 39

provided evidence for neuroplasticity + localisation

Question 40

Features of neurons (3)

Answer 40

has 2 settings : either fires or doesnt

carry signals to and from brain

information carried by electrical impulses

Question 41

Define neurotransmission (2)

Answer 41

neurons send chemicals (neurotransmitters) across the synapse (gap between neurons)

chemical picked up by another neuron