Cognitive Psychology Chapter 2

Amygdala

A limbic system structure involved in memory and emotion, particularly fear and aggression.

case study

an observation technique in which one person is studied in depth in the hope of revealing universal principles

Cerebellum

the "little brain" at the rear of the brainstem; functions include processing sensory input and coordinating movement output and balance

May be involved with memory

cerebral cortex

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center.

cognitive neuroscience

the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language)

Computerized Tomography (CT)

An imaging technology in which computers are used to enhance X-ray images

Corpus Collosum

the large band of neural fibers connecting the two brain hemispheres and carrying messages between them

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

a modified form of MRI in which the diffusion of water in a confined space is exploited to produce images of axonal fiber tracts

Double Dissociation Study

Compares two groups with different brain lesions to a control group in order to find a localization of function; very difficult to find people with the same kind of brain damage.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

event-related potential (ERP)

Electrical changes in the brain that correspond to the brain's response to a specific event; measured with EEG.

Frontal Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that has specialized areas for movement, abstract thinking, planning, memory, and judgement

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

MRI that shows changes in metabolic activity over time (Where sugar is most concentrated)

Hippocampus

A neural center located in the limbic system that helps process explicit memories for storage.

Human Connectome Project

a large-scale, multi-university effort to map the brain's circuits

Hypothalamus

A neural structure lying below the thalamus; it directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward.

limbic system

neural system (including the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) located below the cerebral hemispheres; associated with emotions and drives.

localization of function

The idea that specific functions are served by specific areas of the brain

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

brain-imaging method using radio waves and magnetic fields to look for water concentration to produce detailed images of the brain

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

technique that measures brain activity by detecting tiny magnetic fields generated by the brain--better spatial resolution than the EEG

Method of Subtraction

used to isolate the properties of a single stage of cognitive processing--while using a PET or MRI, subtract control activity from experimental activity in order to get difference activity, what you're studying

Occipital Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex that processes visual information

Parietal Lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex whose functions include processing information about touch.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

an imaging technique used to see which brain areas are being activated while performing tasks--Uses a radioactive glucose tracer

High spatial resolution, low temporal resolution

Post-Mortem

Method of cognitive neurology research where the behaviors of a brain damaged patient is compared to that of a functioning person, and upon their death their brain damage is examined.

primary auditory cortex

the region of the superior temporal lobe whose primary input is from the auditory system

primary motor cortex

the section of the frontal lobe responsible for voluntary movement

primary somatosensory cortex

the region of the anterior parietal lobe whose primary input is from the somatosensory system

primary visual cortex

the region of the posterior occipital lobe whose primary input is from the visual system

temporal lobe

A region of the cerebral cortex responsible for hearing and language.

Temporal vs. Spatial Resolution

The ability to see brain activity in time with it occuring versus the ability to see where it occurs--most methods of imaging tend to have one without the other

thalamus

the brain's sensory switchboard, located on top of the brainstem; it directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex and transmits replies to the cerebellum and medulla

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

the use of strong magnets to briefly interrupt normal brain activity as a way to study brain regions--like temporary brain lesions