1.4a Neuroplasticity and Tools of Discovery

Biological psychologists

The scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes

Biopsychosocial approach

An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis

Levels of analysis

The differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon

Neuroplasticity

The brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience

Lesion

Tssue destruction; brain lesions may occur naturally (from disease or trauma), during surgery, or experimentally (using electrodes to destroy brain cells)

EEG (electroencephalogram)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface; these waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp

MEG (magnetoencephalography

A brain-imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity

CT (computed tomography)

A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain’s structure

PET (positron emission tomography)

Technique for detecting brain activity that displays where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue; MRI scans show brain anatomy

fMRI (functional MRI)

A technique for revealing blood flow and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans; fMRI scans show brain function as well as structure

How Electroencephalography (EEG) works

Electrodes placed on the scalp measure electrical activity in neurons

How Magnetoencephalography (MEG) works

A head coil records magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical currents

How Computed tomography (CT) works

X-rays of the head generate images that may locate brain damage

How Positron emission tomography (PET) works

Tracks where in the brain a temporarily radioactive form of glucose goes while the person given it performs a task

How Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) works

People sit or lie down in a chamber that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to provide a map of brain structure

How Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) works

Measures blood flow to brain regions by comparing continuous MRI scans