Research methods in neuroscience Flashcards
Is a CT scan invasive or non-invasive?
Non-invasive
What is a CT scan?
An x-ray scanner that is rotated 1 degree at a time of 180degrees. Reveals structural abnormalities, such as a lesion. It is computer assisted.
Is an MRI scan invasive or non invasive?
Non-invasive
What is an MRI scanner?
Contains a strong magnetic field that that causes protons to align in the same orientation. A computer reconstructs the image. The MRI scanner detects radiation emitted as the protons relax.
Is an fMRI invasive or non-invasive?
Non-invasive
What does the fMRI measure?
Which parts of the brain are active when performing a task. Where functional activity occurs
How come you can see the brain activity with an fMRI?
As oxygen and glucose are supplied by the blood as fuel for the brain but the brain does not store fuel so blood supply changes as needs arise
Is an EEG invasive or non-invasive?
Non-invasive
What does an EEG do?
Measures the electrical activity of the brain often in response to a stimulus
What is some good advantages about the EEG?
High temporal resolutions
Direct reflection of neuronal activity
Less expensive than MRI
What is a negative of the EEG
Poor spatial localisation due to recordings made at the scalp
What does ERP stand for?
Event related potentials
Are ERPs invasive or non-invasive?
Non-invasive
What do ERP waveforms tell us about?
The neural basis of processing which is provided by the difference in activity.
What are the two invasive methods?
Intracellular recording and extracellular recording
What are the two stimulation techniques?
Electrical and optogenetic
What is optogenetic stimulation
Changing the brain in a way that make the neurons very sensitive to light
What are the two paradigms to measure species-common behaviours?
The open field test and social defeat
What does the open field test involve?
A chamber to allow the animal to move around
What does the social defeat assessment involve?
An unfamiliar individual (INTRUDER) introduced to the habitat of a larger or more aggressive individual (RESIDENT).
What are the three conditioning paradigms?
Classical conditioning, place preference, operant conditioning
Describe place preference
For drug addiction
Day 1 - assess natural preference
Day 2-4 - AM saline PM drug
Day 5 - assess conditioned performance
What is operant conditioning associated with?
Rewards and punishment
What is classical conditioning associated with?
Stimulus response links
What do learning paradigms aim to do?
Teach the animal to associate one stimulus with another or one response with an outcome
What do field observations usually focus on?
Species common behaviours
