Lecture 1: Introduction to Biological Psychology Flashcards
This lecture includes an introduction to some biological concepts that we use in psychology, as well as methods of studying the brain in order to aid diagnosis of medical conditions
What are somatic interventions?
Changes are made to the body that have an affect on behaviour
Give an example of somatic interventions
Administering a hormone effects mating behaviour
What are behavioural interventions?
Changes to behaviour and experience have somatic effects
Give an example of behavioural interventions
Placing a male in front of a female will change hormone levels
What is a lesion study?
Studies that relate to brain dysfunction and deficit
What are the three types of lesion study?
Knife cut, electrolytic, aspiration
What happens in a knife cut lesion?
Needle is positioned next to sub cortical tract
Blade pivots out needle and cuts tract
What happens in electrolytic lesion?
Electrode is placed on tip of tract and current is passed through to destroy tract
What happens in aspiration lesion?
Parts of brain surface are removed by sucking away with pipette attached to a vacuum
What is a CT scan?
Passes x ray through head and rotates until measurements are taken from every angle
What is Diffusion Tensor Imaging?
Signals are generated by the movement of water, creates general structure and nerve cell organisation
What is an MRI scan?
Radioactivity from protons of hydrogen atoms align with magnetic field and create detailed images
What is an EEG?
Records electrical brain activity using surface electrodes, showing response to a stimulus
What is PET scan?
Radioactive marker is taken or injected, able to visualise blood flow and see what regions are involved in specific tasks
What are MEG scans?
Measures magnetic field produced by brains electrical currents
