IB exam

Localization

The theory that certain functions happen at specific locations in the brain

What studies can I use for localization

Phineas Gage

What are strengths of the Phineas Gage study?

Observational, case study, interviews

What is Neuroplasticity?

The brain’s ability to change and adapt

Outline the strengths of the Maguire study

Can be used for technology

Outline the Maguire study

• Studying neuroplasticity in taxi drivers

Outline Rosenzweig and Bennett

• Studying the difference in rats’ brains

• Took rats and put them in either an enriched environment or a deprived environment

• Researchers found that the rats in the enriched had a thicker cerebral cortex especially in the frontal cortex

What is an MRI

Very exact brain imaging

What is one strength of using MRI’s

Researchers have tangible scans of brains that can be looked at and studied

What is one weakness of MRI’s

They’re very expensive and can be hard to access based on where you live and if you have insurance

Outline the Raine study

• Looked at MRI scans of murderers in prison and compared them to “normal” people

• Researchers found that the murderers had less activity in their frontal cortex and had misshapen amygdalas

What is one weakness of the Raine study

This study is correlational not causational

What are PET scans?

They’re scans that occur when you are hooked up to an IV and have glucose running through your body to the areas with the most heat

What are benefits of PET scans

• More affordable

• Easier to access

• Less invasive (in the sense that you’re lot put in a tight machine)

What are drawbacks of PET scans?

• Less accurate than MRI scans