1: Introduction to Physiological Psychology

Physiological Psychology

Also known as behavioral neuroscience, is the study of the human neurological functions as they relate to behavior and perception and the physical mechanisms within the human body that affect the mental processes.

Invasive Technique, Non-invasive Technique, Psychological Tests that examine brain functioning

Research Methods in Physiological Psychology

Invasive Technique

Includes:

1. Lesioning (electrical, chemical, radiofrequency)

2. Electrical recording

3. cannulations

4. Push-pull

5. Invivo Autoradiography

Non-invasive Technique

1. X-Ray

2. Cerebral angiography

3. Computerized Axial Tomography (CT) (CAT)

4. Position Emission Tomography (PET)

5. Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI)

6. Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT)

X-Ray

It can be receive at the physician’s office. It can be used to examine brain structures and bones, but CANNOT look at function and detail.

Air is inserted into the spinal column.

Cerebral Angiography

It injects radio-opaque dyes into the vertebral/carotid artery.

It allows seeing vascular deformities and arteries .

Aneurysm

Balloon shape

Tumor

Deformity from where the artery should be

Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT)

A fancy X-ray but uses a computer to create the image. It gives a picture of a slice of tissue.

Position Emission Tomography (PET)

It is similar to a CT Scan, but not used for as much today.

It is primarily used to examine brain functioning, tumor sites, places that use a lot of glucose. It can be used with a variety of disorders.

Schizophrenia

Disorder where there is more activity in the frontal and occipital lobes than normal

Depression

Disorder with decreased glucose usage than normal

Magnetic Resonance imagery

It is similar to a CT Scan but uses magnetic fields instead of X-rays.

It causes the nuclei to spin in specific orientations.

Great to determine about: Tumors, strokes

Full body scans, can use for any structure.

Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT)

It is like a PET Scan but more refined.

Patient-centered

More flexible approach. These types of tests are based on presenting symptoms and referral issues.

Fixed Battery of Tests

It involves giving specific tests to everyone.

Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery

Contains subtests that examine a variety of brain functions.

• abstract reasoning

• Kinesthetic and sensorimotor ability

• Attention

• Auditory perception

• Sensory-perceptual ability

Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Test Battery

A second standard test battery consisting of 269 discrete items. It has high reliability, but also high rates of false positives in older patients.

Bender Gestalt Test

It is used to examine complex motor tasks. It has nine figures. Patient is asked to copy one at a time on a blank paper.

Accuracy is key.

Radiologists

They interpret CT Scans and MRIs

General

Investigators must consider the ethical implications and psychological consequences for the participants in their research.

Consent

All participants should be informed of the objectives of the investugation.

Deception

Withholding of information or misleading of participants is unacceptable if the participants are likely to object or show unease once debriefed

Debriefing

Participants should be provided with any necessary information to complete their understanding of the nature of the research.

Withdrawal from the investigation

Participants should know of their right to withdraw from the research any time.

Confidentiality

Secreettt

Protection if Participants

protect participants from physical and mental harm during the investigation

Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological TEST Battery

A test to evaluate brain-behavior relationships.

Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological TEST Battery

A test used to identify neuropsychological deficiencies, such as motor-cognitive deficits or delays.

Bende Gestalt TEST

A test that assesses visual-motor functioning.