Psychology (2) Flashcards
What is cognitive neuroscience?
The relationship between cognitive functions and the brain.
What do studies in cognitive neuroscience investigate?
The mind, inferred from measures of behaviour in relation to brain activity.
What has led to the explanation of neural mechanisms in cognitive neuroscience?
The growth and use of technology.
What does cognitive neuroscience explore in relation to brain regions?
Connectivity between brain regions and their role in cognitive function.
What is Electroencephalography (EEG)?
Measurement of the brain’s electrical activity via electrodes placed on the scalp.
EEG is often used in clinical settings to diagnose conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders.
What does Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) measure?
Measurement of brain activity by detecting small changes in the brain’s blood flow and oxygenation levels.
fMRI is commonly used in research to understand brain function and to map brain activity during various tasks.
What is the purpose of Positron Emission Tomography (PET)?
Visual imaging technique that allows the detection of brain activity via the use of radioactive tracers that are injected into the body.
PET scans are used to observe metabolic processes in the body and can help in the diagnosis of conditions like cancer and neurological disorders.
How does Magnetoencephalography (MEG) work?
Measurement of the brain’s activity by detecting changes in its magnetic fields.
MEG is particularly useful for localizing brain functions and understanding the timing of neural events.
What is the focus of evolutionary psychology?
Identify the selection pressures that have impacted on human psyche over time
Evolutionary psychology seeks to understand how evolution has shaped our mental processes.
What does evolutionary psychology test regarding psychological mechanisms?
Whether they show features expected if designed to solve particular adaptive problems
This involves examining if our mental processes are suited to the challenges faced by our ancestors.
Who is Steven Pinker?
A psychologist and author known for his work in evolutionary psychology.
What are two notable books published by Steven Pinker?
- The Language Instinct (1994)
- The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature (2002)
What psychological perspective does Steven Pinker advocate?
Evolutionary psychology.
According to Pinker and Bloom (1990), what is language?
A product of evolution and not a by-product.
What does Steven Pinker believe about language faculties?
They are innate.
What view is associated with Steven Pinker’s beliefs?
Nativist view.
True or False: Steven Pinker is considered a controversial figure in Psychology.
True.
What are Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS)?
Studies that scan markers across complete sets of DNA to investigate genetic variations associated with a disease or trait.
GWAS are instrumental in understanding the genetic basis of various diseases and traits.
What major projects enabled the development of Genome Wide Association Studies?
The Human Genome Project and the HapMap Project.
The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003, and the HapMap Project was completed in 2005.
Approximately how many genes exist in human beings?
Approximately 20,500 genes.
This mapping of genes is crucial for understanding genetic variation.
What types of diseases are commonly investigated using Genome Wide Association Studies?
Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and mental illness.
GWAS help identify genetic variations that may contribute to these diseases.
True or False: Genome Wide Association Studies only focus on physical diseases.
False.
GWAS also investigate psychological traits, such as personality traits.
Fill in the blank: The Human Genome Project was completed in _______.
2003
Fill in the blank: The HapMap Project was completed in _______.
2005