Neuropsychology: Exam 1

executive funtions

frontal lobe, involved with memory, planning, and decision making

phrenology

using bumps and indentations on head to determine strengths and weakness

ventricular localization

the theory that mental and spiritual processes lie in the ventricles of the brain.

cardiocentric hypothesis 

the idea that the heart is the center of mental processes, emotions, and consciousness.

cephalocentric hypothesis

the belief that the brain is the primary organ of mental processes and consciousness.

hemispheric dominance

the concept that one hemisphere of the brain is more responsible for certain cognitive functions or behaviors than the other.

cerebral localization

the theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for particular functions and behaviors.

holist localizationist

Any area of the brain can take on any function 

modularist localizationist

there are distinct areas in the brain that operate in specific ways. 

lesion

A region of damaged brain tissue resulting from injury or disease, which can affect specific functions related to that area.

infarct

an area of tissue that undergoes necrosis due to a loss of blood supply.

ischemic stroke

a type of stroke caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, leading to potential brain cell death.

hematomas

are localized collections of blood outside blood vessels, often due to injury. They can cause pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to various symptoms depending on their location.

hemorrhagic strokes

are strokes caused by bleeding in or around the brain, leading to increased pressure and potential damage to brain tissues.

ruptured aneurysms

are weaknesses in a blood vessel wall that balloon out and can burst, causing bleeding in the brain.

coup

is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a forceful impact, leading to bruising of the brain at the site of impact.

contrecoup

is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is jolted and bruises on the opposite side of the impact.

necrosis

refers to the death of cells or tissues in the body due to injury, disease, or lack of blood supply.

atrophy

gradual shrinkage of brain tissue

diffuse brain damage

refers to widespread injury to brain tissue caused by trauma, often resulting in cognitive and physical impairments.

focal brain damage

refers to localized injury in a specific area of the brain, leading to specific functional deficits.

edema

is the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues, leading to swelling and potentially affecting organ function.

functional plasticity

is the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself by forming new connections in response to injury, allowing for recovery of lost functions.

laterilization of function

refers to the specialization of certain brain functions in one hemisphere over the other, such as language processing typically being more prominent in the left hemisphere.

midline shift

is a neurological condition where there is a displacement of the brain's midline structures, often due to increased intracranial pressure or mass .

applied aim 

focusing on practical applications, associated with clinical neuropsychology.

academic aim

focusing on studying for the sake of knowledge.

functional systems

refers to networks of neural components that work together to achieve specific behavioral

modules

fundamental mental processes

functional architecture

interconnections and strengths of connections

association

This means there are impairments in two or more tasks.

dissociation

meaing there is impairment in one area but not the other.  

double dissociation

demonstrates how two mental processes are independent by showing that one process can be impaired while the other remains unaffected.

disconnection syndrome

A condition characterized by a disruption of white matter which disconnects regiond of the brain

quantitative

analysis of brain activity or behavior, involving numerical data to assess relationships between variables.

qualitiative

analysis of brain activity or behavior that focuses on descriptions and interpretations rather than numerical data.

standardized

procedures or measures that ensure consistency and reliability in assessments across different studies or experiments.

composite score

a combined measure that aggregates individual scores from different assessments to provide an overall evaluation of performance or ability.

normatative comparison group

a standard group used to compare individual scores, accounting for variations in test performances.

pre morbid functioning

a person's level of functioning before the onset of illness or disability, used as a baseline for assessment.

test security

measures and protocols in place to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of assessments.

malingering

the intentional production of false or exaggerated symptoms

validity

the degree to which a test accurately measures what it is intended to measure.

reliability

the consistency and stability of test scores across different administrations or forms.

racial micro aggressions

subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or actions that express a prejudiced attitude towards a marginalized racial group.

microaffirmations

small gestures or comments that convey support and validation to individuals from marginalized groups, promoting inclusivity and affirmation.

semi structured qualitative interviews

interviewer uses a set of predetermined, open-ended questions

selection bias

a systematic error in choosing participants that can affect the validity of research findings.

stereotype threat 

the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group, which can hinder performance and lead to anxiety.