Neuroscience: Cognitive Functions and Dissociations

These flashcards summarize key concepts related to cognitive processes, specifically focusing on memory and attention, as discussed in the neuroscience lecture.

Dissociation

A situation where one cognitive process is disrupted while another remains intact, indicating those processes are functionally independent.

Double dissociation

A situation where two different patients show opposing dissociations for two cognitive processes, providing stronger evidence that those processes are independent.

Explicit memory

The type of memory that involves conscious recollection of facts and events.

Implicit memory

Memory that does not involve conscious recollection, often revealed through performance or behavior.

Task resource artifact

An interpretation of single dissociation where the performance difference is attributed to varying resource demands of tasks rather than functional independence of cognitive processes.

Temporary lesion

A disruption of neural activity in a specific area of the brain caused by techniques like TMS to study functional correlates.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

A non-invasive method of brain stimulation that temporarily disrupts neuronal activity to study cognitive functions.

Facilitation

An increase in the performance level on a task due to certain neural activations or processes.

Orienting reflex

An automatic response to an unexpected stimulus, drawing attention involuntarily.

Habituation

The decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

Dis-habituation

The renewal of response to a stimulus that occurs when a new stimulus is presented.

Neuropsychological evidence

Clinical data obtained from patients with brain damage that supports conclusions about the organization of cognitive functions.

Attention

The process of selectively concentrating on certain aspects of information while ignoring others.