Key Words Brain Recovery

Question 1

Plasticity definition

Functional recovery definition

Answer 1

1. ) Brains tendency to change and adapt due to experience and new learning
2. ) functional recovery is a type of plasticity occurring following trauma. The brain can redistribute or transfer functions from a damaged area of the brain to a non damaged area.

Question 2

Hemispheric lateralisation definition

Split brain research

Answer 2

1. ) Two hemispheres of brain are functionally different and certain mental processes and behaviours are controlled by one hemisphere rather than another. Eg language
2. ) series of studies in 1960’s using epileptic patients who had experienced surgical separation of hemispheres of the brain. This helps researchers investigate extent to which brain function is lateralised.

Question 3

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 3

1. ) Measures brain activity while performer does task using MRI technology. Helps detect which parts of brain are currently rich in oxygen are therefore active.
2. )collects record of tiny electrical inpulses produced by brain during activity. By measuring characteristics of wave patterns it can help diagnose brain conditions.

Question 4

Event related potentials (ERP’s)

Post mortem

Answer 4

1. ) brains electrophysiological response to specific sensory , cognitive or motor event can be isolated through state test or EEG
2. ) examine brain after death to determined whether certain observed behaviours are linked to abnormalities in brain