U1 AOS1 Flashcards
Define psychology
Psychology can be defined as the systematic study of the mind (mental processes) and human thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
What are some perspectives used in psychology?
- behavioural
- cognitive
- sociocultural
What is behaviour?
Behaviour is an actions or movement directly observable as it occurs.
What is a mental process?
Indirectly observable; private and internal.
What is a hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a testable prediction of the relationship between two or more events or characteristics
What is the independent variable?
The independent variable is the thing being manipulated/changed
What is the dependent variable?
The dependent variable is the thing that is being measured
What is the aim?
The aim is what the researches intend to find out.
Describe the role of the left hemisphere
The left hemisphere receives and processes sensations from the right side of the body, controls voluntary movements on the right side, verbal tasks, analysis and logical reasoning.
Describe the role of the right hemisphere
The right hemisphere receives and processes sensations from the left side of the body, controls voluntary movements on the left side, non verbal tasks, spacial and visual thinking, and creativity.
Explain the term plasticity.
Plasticity of the brain refers to the way the brain can be modified.
What is the Brain vs Heart debate?
The Egyptians believed the heart held the mind and soul and was the source of all wisdom as well as memory, emotion, personality and all life forces. So it was left in its place inside the body.
- All these organs were considered essential to fully take part in the afterlife.
- The brain, however, was removed with an iron hook through the nostrils and thrown out. It was not considered an asset.
What is the Mind Body Problem?
The mind–body problem involves the question of whether our mind and body are distinct, separate entities or whether they are one and the same thing.
What is Phrenology?
Different parts of the brain had different functions. This concept is now known as localisation of brain function.
- The brain was composed of distinctive, separate parts and that each part had a different function.
What is Split Brain Studies?
Split-brain surgery involves cutting the band of nerve tissue connecting the two hemispheres (corpus callosum)
Describe CT Scan
Computerised Tomography
- medical scan/imaging technique that uses multiple x-ray measurements to produce images of the body.
Is a CT scan functional or structural?
Structural
What are the advantages of a CT Scan?
- relatively safe
- cost effective
- clear 2D images
- good to view brain structure
- good for identifying issues and abnormalities
What are some disadvantages of the CT Scan?
- no information on brain function
- bad if frequently used
- black and white
Describe MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- medical imaging technique used in radiology and works by using strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients and radio waves.
Is a MRI functional or structural
Structural
What are some advantages of a MRI?
- detailed 3D coloured image
- uses harmless magnetic fields and radio waves
What are some disadvantages of a MRI?
- expensive
- cant be used on people with metal inside
- no cognitive or motor function information
- slightly claustrophobic
Describe a PET Scan
Positron Emission Tomography
- imaging technique that uses radioactive substances to visualise and measure changes in metabolic processes and other activity
IS a PET Scan functional or structural?
Functional
What are some advantages to a PET Scan?
- function and corresponding location
- brain in action (drug influence)
- mental function, comparison and measure
What are some disadvantages to a PET Scan?
- expensive
- radioactive material (short time limit)
Describe a fMRI
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- measures brain activity by detecting changes due to blood flow
Is an fMRI functional or structural?
Functional
What are some advantages to an fMRI?
- high resolution 3D images with 1mm accuracy
- blood flow and oxygen factors
- physical structure and function
What are the nervous system functions?
The nervous system enables the brain to obtain information about what is going on inside and outside the body, and to respond appropriately. Its three main functions are to: - receive information - process information, - coordinate a response to information.
What makes up the central nervous system?
The brain and spine
What makes up the peripheral nervous system?
The rest of the body(nerves, skin, organs)
What is the role of the brain?
it is responsible for virtually everything we think, feel and do.
What is the role of the spinal cord?
it connects the brain to the peripheral nervous system and initiates spinal reflexes
The peripheral nervous system has two branches, what are they?
Somatic and Autonomic
What does the Somatic Nervous system do?
- carries messages from the sensory receptors in the body to the CNS, and motor messages from the CNS to the skeletal muscles
What does the Autonomic nervous system do?
- connects CNS to internal organs and glands; self regulating
- controls visceral muscles
The autonomic nervous system has two branches, what are they?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
What does the Sympathetic nervous system do?
- prepares the body for action (fight, flight or freeze)
What does the Parasympathetic nervous system do?
- clams the body after action
