Biology of Memory Quiz #2 Review

Biology of Memory Quiz #2 Review for IB Psych SL

What is the difference between an MRI and fMRI?

fMRI = same as MRI, but can collect blood oxygenation info

Describe one potential limitation of using brain imping in research.

MRI’s create extremely unnatural environments = low ecological validy

Describe neuroplasticity and provide a brief example.

Ability of brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections; brain’s ability to change by forming new connections between neurons; ex. learning to play guitar

Define neural pruning and provide a brief example.

When neurons and synapses weaken/die when skills/info not used; ex. learning to tie lashing but never using it

Provide one advantage for animals being used in psychological studies.

Share many biological and neurological characteristics with humans, allowing researchers to study processes such as brain function, memory, behavior, etc, in ways impossible with humans

Provide one disadvantage for animals being used in psychological research.

Ethical concerns: many procedures cause distress, discomfort, harm, etc; regulations are in place but question of ethics still remains

What is a hormone?

Chemical utilized in endocrine system → facilitate physiological processes in body; secreted by glands in bloodstream; slow and longer-lasting (unlike neurotransmitters)

What is the affect of adrenaline in memory?

Aids consolidation of new info during stress response; impairs recall of previously learned info

What is the effect of cortisol on memory?

Impairs hippocampal function after extended exposure; impairs both recall of previously learned info and new memory consolidation

Describe neuroplasticity with reference to one study (SAQ).

Draganski et al (2004)

• Aim: to see whether learning new skill (juggling) = effect on brain

• Methods: 21 females + 3 males (20-24 yrs) who couldn’t juggle

  • Assigned either juggler or non-juggler (control)

  • Jugglers taught routine and practiced until mastery

  • Jugglers participated in MRI scan before learning, after mastery, and after 3 months of dormancy

  • Non-jugglers given MRI at same time too

  • MRI scans = laboratory experiment

  • VBM used to analyze scans = observational

• Results: no difference at beginning, but jugglers showed larger amount of gray matter in mid-temporal regions

  • 3 months after: gray matter decreased

  • Control had no change

  • Juggling relies more on visual memory than procedural

• How does this support the concept of neuroplasticity?

  • Non control group saw gray matter increase = brains had to reconstruct to meet environmental demands

  • After jugglers quit → adaptations reversed and gray matter decreased = neural pruning