The brain

Bumps on the skull

Tell us nothing about the brain’s underlying function.

Different brain parts

Control different aspects of behavior.

Biological psychologists

Use advanced technologies to study links between biological and psychological processes.

Biopsychosocial approach

Integrates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and build new pathways in response to experiences.

Selective lesioning

The process of destroying tiny clusters of brain cells to observe effects on function.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

An amplified readout of brain waves measuring electrical activity in neurons.

MEG (magnetoencephalography)

Measures magnetic fields produced by brain's electrical activity.

CT (computed tomography) scan

Examines the brain using X-ray photographs to reveal damage.

PET (positron emission tomography)

Depicts brain activity based on the consumption of glucose.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Uses strong magnetic fields to create detailed pictures of soft tissues in the brain.

Ventricles

Fluid-filled areas in the brain.

fMRI (functional MRI)

Reveals brain function and structure by detecting blood flow.

fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy)

Uses infrared light to identify brain activity.

Neuromarketing

An application that often falls under the concept of neurohype.

All human experience

Is brain-based.

Neurons in brain and spinal cord

Usually do not regenerate after being severed.

Specific brain functions

Seem preassigned to particular areas.

Child's brain plasticity

The younger the child, the greater the chance the remaining hemisphere can take over functions.

Neurogenesis

The process of producing new neurons.

Left hemisphere damage

Can impair reading, writing, and understanding languages.

Right hemisphere damage

Has less visibly dramatic effects on behavior.

Corpus callosum

Connects the two hemispheres of the brain and carries messages between them.

Severed corpus callosum

Prevents information sharing between hemispheres.

Split-brain surgery

Results in two separate minds within one individual.

Split-brain patient mind metaphor

Resembles a river branching into separate streams.

Left hemisphere language skill

Is skilled at making quick, literal interpretations of language.

Mental gymnastics of the left hemisphere

Rationalizes reactions it does not understand.

Conscious left hemisphere role

Acts as an interpreter constructing explanations.

Perceptual task brain activity

Often reveals increased activity in the right hemisphere.

Task performance brain activity

Usually increases in the left hemisphere during speaking or calculations.

Speech control location

Is in the left hemisphere.

Right hemisphere functions

Excel at making inferences and modulating speech.