Lecture 2: Active Brain Toolbox

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Lecture 2, including research methods, experimental design, neuroimaging techniques, and exercise physiology.

Research Methods

Techniques used to understand variables or associations between variables.

Correlation

A method to observe the relationship between two or more variables without direct manipulation.

• make conclusions about variables being related

Correlation metrics

• Pearson r value

• R-squared

• slope (a) best of fit

Quasi-experimental

A type of research where individuals are divided based on a variable that cannot be easily manipulated.

• considered a type of Correlational methods

• Observed DV and conditions are compared

Experimental method

Experimenter manipulates one variable (IV) and it needs two conditions

• randomly assigned

• Observes DV (needs operational def)

• Conditions compared

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that the experimenter manipulates in an experiment.

• controlled to be exactly the same except on one feature ( the difference is what you think to be the cause )

• Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that the experimenter measures in response to changes in the independent variable.

• needs operational def: defining your construct in measurable terms

• Needs to be observable and measurable

Random Assignment

A method in experiments used to equate groups by randomly assigning participants to different conditions.

Cross-Sectional Study

Research that observes a sample at a single point in time.

Longitudinal Study

Research that involves repeated measurements of the same individuals over extended periods.

Randomized Control Trial (RCT)

An experimental method that uses randomization to control for bias and assess causal effects.

• participants don’t know the treatment condition

  OR

• Investigators blinded ( don’t know the treatment)

• Double blinded: both don’t know

Meta-analytic Methods

Techniques used to summarize results across multiple studies.

• collect papers

• Extract effects

• Analyze

Electroencephalography (EEG)

First human neuroimaging technique that records electrical activity of the brain.

Event related potentials

Averaged response to specific events

Oscillations

Task induced or endogenous brain rhythms

1. 4 strategies to deal with noise EEG

1. Take advantage of movement silent periods

2. Randomize movement and signals

3. Separate signals and movements

4. Separate task related and noise signals

VO2max

A measurement of the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can utilize during intense exercise.

Psychosocial Factors

Variables related to psychological and social aspects that can affect research outcomes.

Exercise Physiology

The study of the body's responses to physical activity.

Physical Capacities

The body's ability to perform physical activities, influenced by various physiological factors.

• how much can the body handle?

• What is the response of the body?

EEG Key factors

1. Physical capacities

2. Timing of task and physical activity

3. Exercise type, duration, intensity, and frequency

4. Target population and individual differences

Synchronous exercise

Task is occurring while engaged in physical activity

Asynchronous

Task and activity are executed at different times

• task executed before and then exercise after

Peripheral

Outside of the head

• motor (skeletal & autonomic) and sensory

Central nervous system

Brain and spinal cord

• signaling happens during electrical activity ( action potentials) and neurochemical changes ( neurotransmitters)

Neurotransmitters

A type of signal

• can be excitatory or inhibitory

• Can be globally or regionally

Skeletal motor system (somatic)

Voluntary movements

Autonomic motor system

Regulates internal organs and eyes

• can be divided into three divisions ( parasympathetic, sympathetic, enteric )

Parasympathetic

Rest and digest

Sympathetic

Fight or flight response

Enteric

Manages digestion and associated processes

Peripheral

Neurotrophic

Effects that control neurogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, health

Neuromodulatory effects

Electrochemical effects that alter neural activity

Homeostasis

The body has ideal parameters to ensure functioning, there are feedback loops to ensure we stay close to that set point

• goal is to promote stability

Allostasis

A predictive system that anticipates stress and promotes stability through change

• involves nervous and endocrine system

• Goal: provide physiological resources just in time

Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis

Coordinate body’s response to stress

• hypothalamus

• Pituitary gland

Adrenal gland

Hypothalamus

Helps manage functioning of the autonomic system

Pituitary gland

Part of endocrine system and makes multiple hormones

Adrenal gland

A small gland that makes steroid hormones, cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline

HPA axis stress chain reaction

• release of cortisol

• Influences blood flow, respiration, metabolism, immune response, arousal,

• Slow, peaks in 20-30 min after an acute stressor

Sympathetic adrenal medullary axis

Fight or flight system

• stress detected the hypothalamus signals to the sympathetic nervous system to stimulate the adrenal medulla (releases adrenaline, noradrenaline)

• Inc heart rate, vasoconstriction, inc blood pressure, respiration, liver, pupil dilate, digestion slows

• Fast

Sensory coding

Adapting behavioral goal with what happens on the environment