Studied by 0 people
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
