Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Question 1

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Answer 1

A noninvasive technique that uses focal magnetic currents to stimulate the cortex in alert individuals.

Question 2

What are the applications of TMS?

Answer 2

Mapping cortical surfaces by activating or suppressing specific brain regions.
Tracks behavioral changes resulting from stimulation.
Often combined with functional imaging methods like PET.

Question 3

What is the significance of TMS?

Answer 3

It enables precise exploration of the relationship between cortical areas and behavior.

Question 4

How does Magnetoencephalography (MEG) work?

Answer 4

It detects magnetic fields generated by electrical activity in cortical neurons using a large array of ultrasensitive detectors.

Question 5

What are the advantages of MEG?

Answer 5

Tracks real-time brain activity during cognitive tasks.
Excellent for capturing rapid, moment-by-moment changes in cortical activity that fMRI cannot.

Question 6

How does MEG compare to fMRI?

Answer 6

fMRI has better spatial resolution but is slower.
MEG has superior temporal resolution, ideal for fast neural activity.

Question 7

What are the applications of MEG?

Answer 7

Studying dynamic activity of cortical circuits during cognitive processing and understanding rapidly shifting patterns of brain activity.

Question 8

What is the significance of TMS?

Answer 8

It provides a tool for directly influencing and observing the functional roles of cortical regions.

Question 9

What is the significance of MEG?

Answer 9

It complements other imaging methods by offering high-speed tracking of neural activity, invaluable for understanding fast-paced cognitive processes.

Question 10

What are the challenges in behavioral neuroscience?

Answer 10

The complexity of behavior and the brain requires indirect methods for manipulating behavior and brain activity.
The replication crisis emphasizes the need for rigorous research design, detailed observation, and appropriate participant selection.

Question 11

What is the trend in behavioral neuroscience research?

Answer 11

Greater focus on transparent experimentation and methodological evolution.

Question 12

What is somatic intervention?

Answer 12

Altering the brain or body and observing changes in behavior.

Question 13

What are the independent and dependent variables in somatic intervention?

Answer 13

Independent Variable: Physical alteration.
Dependent Variable: Behavioral effects.

Question 14

What are examples of somatic intervention?

Answer 14

Administering a hormone and observing changes in sexual behavior.
Electrically stimulating a brain region and measuring movement.
Destroying a brain region and noting changes in sleep patterns.

Question 15

What experimental designs can be used in somatic intervention?

Answer 15

Within-Participants: Same individuals serve as control and experimental group.
Between-Participants: Compare different groups (intervention vs. no intervention).

Question 16

What is behavioral intervention?

Answer 16

Controlling or altering behavior and measuring changes in the brain or body.

Question 17

What are the independent and dependent variables in behavioral intervention?

Answer 17

Independent Variable: Behavior.
Dependent Variable: Structural or functional body changes.

Question 18

What are examples of behavioral intervention?

Answer 18

Allowing social interaction and measuring hormone levels.
Observing brain activity during cognitive tasks via brain imaging.
Training animals to fear a stimulus and measuring brain electrical changes.

Question 19

What is the purpose of correlation studies?

Answer 19

To measure associations between two variables without manipulating them.

Question 20

What is a key characteristic of correlation studies?

Answer 20

They can establish associations but not causation. They are useful for hypothesis generation.

Question 21

What are examples of correlation studies?

Answer 21

Correlating memory ability with the size of a brain structure.
Linking hormone levels with aggressive behavior.

Question 22

Why is it important to integrate somatic, behavioral, and correlational methods?

Answer 22

Combining these methods enriches understanding and reflects the reciprocal relationship between brain and behavior.

Question 23

What is the historical significance of human-animal interaction in neuroscience?

Answer 23

Early humans studied animals for survival, and understanding animal behavior and physiology has been deeply rooted in human history.

Question 24

What is often underestimated in psychology?

Answer 24

The contributions of animal research to psychology are often presented as if derived from human studies.

Question 25

What are the controversies regarding animal research?

Answer 25

Some argue animal research is unethical, while others accept it for immediate and measurable benefits, despite the unpredictable nature of breakthroughs.

Question 26

What are the ethical practices in animal research?

Answer 26

Minimize stress and discomfort.
Use research-derived methods to make procedures as painless as possible.
Continuously refine practices to improve animal welfare.
Adhere to strict legislation emphasizing using as few animals as possible and the simplest species capable of answering research questions.

Question 27

What is the ethical balance in animal research?

Answer 27

Researchers acknowledge emotional concerns while committing to animal welfare and scientific advancement.

Question 28

What is conserved across species in behavioral neuroscience?

Answer 28

Certain features like neuronal electrical signaling and hormones are conserved across species, arising from shared ancestors.

Question 29

What is an example of independent evolution across species?

Answer 29

Human and octopus eyes are similar but evolved separately.

Question 30

What are the variations within and between species in behavioral neuroscience?

Answer 30

Individual differences exist within species (e.g., cat-to-cat).
Differences exist across species (e.g., humans vs. mice).

Question 31

Why are animals used in behavioral neuroscience research?

Answer 31

Animal models, especially rats and mice, are essential for studying the complex mammalian brain.

Question 32

What ensures high standards of care for research animals?

Answer 32

Legislation and ethical practices protect animal welfare, ensuring the integrity of research and researchers’ commitment to ethical standards.

Question 33

What is the role of animal research in behavioral neuroscience?

Answer 33

Animal research is a cornerstone of the field, providing irreplaceable insights into brain function and behavior, while researchers strive to minimize harm and maximize benefit.