2: Cognitive Neuroscience (PART 2)

Postmortem Studies

It involves examining the brains of individuals after death. This method has been used historically to understand brain-behavior relationships by linking observed deficits during life to structural abnormalities found after death.

Lesion Studies

A technique wherein specific brain areas are damaged to observe the effects on behaviors.

Electrophysiological Recordings

A technique that measures electrical activity of neurons.

Genetic Manipulation , Optogenetics

These are modern techniques that allow precise control and observation of brain activity in animals, contributing to our understanding of neural circuits and cognitive functions.

Neuroimaging Techniques

These are non-invasive methods that allow scientists to observe the brain in action and identify which areas are involved in specific cognitive tasks.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

This neuroimaging technique measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, providing a detailed image of brain function.

PET (Position Emission Tomography)

This neuroimaging technique uses radioactive tracers to visualize metabolic processes in the brain

EEG (Electroencephalography)

This neuroimaging technique measures electrical activity in the brain, offering high temporal resolution for studying cognitive processes.

MEG (Magnetoencephalography)

This neuroimaging technique detects magnetic fields produced by neural activity, providing detailed information on brain function with both high temporal and spatial resolution.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

This technique uses magnetic fields to temporarily disrupt brain activity in specific areas, helping researchers understand the role of those regions in cognition.

Stroke

A brain disorder that occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.

This can lead to the death of brain cells and cause cognitive and motor impairments.

Aphasia

A deficit caused by stroke; language impairment

Hemiplegia

A deficit caused by stroke; paralysis of one side of the body

Brain Tumors

These are abnormal growths of cells within the brain that can be benign or malignant.

It can cause cognitive deficits by disrupting normal brain function, compressing brain structures, or increasijg intrcranial pressure.

Neuroscience

It is how intelligence is linked to brain function, structure, and connectivity.

It explores the neural correlates of intelligence, looking at how different brain regions contribute to cognitive abilities like problem-solving, reasoning, and memory.

Brain Metabolism

Brain’s energy consumption during cognitive activities.

Studies suggest that more intelligent individuals may have more efficient brain metabolism, using less energy to perform the same cognitive tasks as those with lower intelligence.

The P-Fit Theory of Intelligence

Intelligence arises from a network of brain regions, primarily involving the parietal and frontal lobes. According to this theory, the integration of information between these areas is crucial for high-level cognitive processing, which underpins general intelligence (g).