Mind and behaviour

What is psychodynamics?

Psychodynamics is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior.

Who developed psychodynamic theory?

Sigmund Freud is credited with founding psychodynamic theory.

What is the unconscious mind?

The unconscious mind contains thoughts, memories, and desires that are not accessible to conscious awareness.

What are defense mechanisms?

Defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies used to cope with anxiety and protect the self from distressing thoughts.

Define repression.

Repression is a defense mechanism that involves pushing distressing thoughts and memories out of conscious awareness.

What is transference?

Transference is the phenomenon where clients project feelings and attitudes from past relationships onto their therapists.

What is the role of childhood in psychodynamics?

Childhood experiences are believed to significantly shape personality and behavior according to psychodynamic theory.

What is the id?

The id is the part of the personality that contains primal instincts and desires, operating on the pleasure principle.

What is the ego?

The ego is the rational part of the personality that mediates between the desires of the id and the realities of the world.

What is the superego?

The superego is the part of the personality that represents internalized moral standards and ideals.

What is biological psychology?

Biological psychology is a field that explores the connection between biological processes and psychological phenomena.

What was Julien Offray de La Mettrie's key contribution to psychology?

Julien Offray de La Mettrie proposed that humans are essentially machines and emphasized the importance of the body in understanding the mind.

What did Paul Broca discover?

Paul Broca discovered the brain region, now known as Broca's area, associated with speech production.

How did Charles Darwin influence biological psychology?

Charles Darwin's theory of evolution influenced biological psychology by emphasizing the role of natural selection in shaping behavior and mental processes.

What are split brain patients?

Split brain patients are individuals who have undergone surgical separation of the brain's hemispheres, often to treat severe epilepsy.

What is split brain?

Split brain refers to a condition in which the two hemispheres of the brain are surgically separated.

Why are split brain surgeries performed?

Split brain surgeries are performed primarily to treat severe epilepsy that does not respond to medication.

What are the effects of split brain on behavior?

Split brain patients may exhibit unusual behaviors, such as difficulty coordinating hand movements or conflicting responses to stimuli.

How does split brain affect language processing?

Typically, language processing is localized in the left hemisphere, which can lead to communication issues in split brain patients.

What is the role of the corpus callosum?

The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres, facilitating communication between them.

What are visual field tests used to study in split brain patients?

Visual field tests are used to examine how split brain patients process information presented to each visual field.

Can split brain patients name objects in their left visual field?

No, split brain patients typically cannot name objects presented to their left visual field due to language processing being lateralized to the right hemisphere.

What phenomenon is observed in split brain patients with regards to hand movements?

Split brain patients may demonstrate 'alien hand syndrome,' where one hand acts independently of the other.

What does research on split brain patients reveal about lateralization of brain function?

Research on split brain patients indicates that certain cognitive processes, such as language and spatial awareness, are localized to specific hemispheres.

What functions are primarily associated with the left hemisphere?

The left hemisphere is primarily responsible for language, analytical thinking, and mathematical abilities.

What functions are primarily associated with the right hemisphere?

The right hemisphere is primarily associated with creative tasks, spatial abilities, and intuitive thinking.

How does the left hemisphere process information?

The left hemisphere processes information in a linear and detail-oriented manner.

How does the right hemisphere process information?

The right hemisphere processes information holistically and focuses on patterns and context.

What role does the left hemisphere play in speech?

The left hemisphere typically controls speech production and comprehension.

What role does the right hemisphere play in nonverbal cues?

The right hemisphere helps interpret nonverbal cues such as tone, facial expressions, and body language.

Which hemisphere is often dominant in right-handed individuals?

The left hemisphere is often the dominant hemisphere in right-handed individuals, controlling language and fine motor skills.

Which hemisphere is associated with emotional processing?

The right hemisphere is more involved in emotional processing and recognition.

What is lateralization of brain function?

Lateralization of brain function refers to the tendency for certain cognitive processes to be more dominant in one hemisphere than the other.

Can both hemispheres communicate with each other?

Yes, both hemispheres communicate through the corpus callosum, allowing for integration of cognitive functions.

What is brain plasticity?

Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.

What is brain plasticity?

Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.

Why is brain plasticity important?

Brain plasticity is crucial for recovery from brain injuries, learning new skills, and adapting to changes in the environment.

What are the two types of brain plasticity?

The two types of brain plasticity are structural plasticity (changes in the physical structure of the brain) and functional plasticity (the brain's ability to adapt functions to different brain regions).

How does age affect brain plasticity?

Younger brains tend to exhibit greater plasticity, allowing for more significant recovery and learning potential compared to older brains.

What is synaptic plasticity?

Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, influencing how information is processed and retained.

What is functional reorganization?

Functional reorganization refers to the brain's ability to shift the performance of functions from damaged areas to undamaged areas following an injury.

Can adults experience brain plasticity?

Yes, adults can experience brain plasticity, although it is often less pronounced than in children; adults can still form new connections and adapt to new learning.

What methods can enhance brain plasticity?

Engaging in regular physical exercise, learning new skills, and maintaining social interactions can enhance brain plasticity.

What are synapses?

Synapses are the junctions between two neurons that allow for the transmission of signals through neurotransmitters.

What are Neurons?

Neurons are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the nervous system via electrical and chemical signals.

What does 'dorsal' refer to in brain anatomy?

In brain anatomy, 'dorsal' refers to the top or upper side of the brain.

What does 'ventral' mean in the context of the brain?

'Ventral' refers to the bottom or underside of the brain.

What is meant by 'anterior' in brain anatomy?

'Anterior' refers to the front part of the brain.

What does 'posterior' indicate in relation to brain structure?

'Posterior' indicates the back part of the brain.

What does 'medial' refer to in neuroanatomy?

'Medial' refers to structures located towards the midline of the brain.

What is meant by 'lateral' in brain anatomy?

'Lateral' refers to structures located away from the midline of the brain.

What is the significance of the dorsal region of the brain?

The dorsal region is crucial for processing sensory information and motor control.

How are anterior and posterior used to describe brain areas?

Anterior describes regions at the front, while posterior describes regions at the back of the brain.

What is the functional difference between medial and lateral brain areas?

Medial areas often handle processing related to self and body awareness, while lateral areas are involved in social perception and interactions.

What happened to Phineas Gage?

Phineas Gage survived a traumatic brain injury when a steel rod accidentally went through his skull, damaging his frontal lobes.

What was the significance of Phineas Gage's accident?

His case provided early evidence for the role of the frontal lobes in personality and behavior.

How did Phineas Gage change after his injury?

Post-accident, Gage exhibited changes in personality, becoming impulsive and irresponsible, contrasting with his previous behavior.

What part of the brain was damaged in Phineas Gage's injury?

Gage's injury primarily affected the left frontal lobe.

What conclusions did psychologists draw from Gage's case?

Gage's case suggested a link between brain function and personality, helping to shape neuropsychology.

How did Gage's injury influence psychological research?

His case propelled research into localized brain functions and their effects on behavior.

What are the implications of Gage's story for understanding brain plasticity?

Gage's recovery demonstrated the brain's ability to adapt despite significant injury.

What term is often associated with the personality changes observed in Gage?

The term 'frontal lobe syndrome' is used to describe similar personality changes after frontal lobe damage.

What is double dissociation?

Double dissociation is a method in neuropsychology where two related mental processes are shown to function independently of each other, typically demonstrated through different patterns of performance in patients with brain lesions.

What is the purpose of double dissociation?

The purpose of double dissociation is to demonstrate that two cognitive processes are independent of each other, allowing researchers to investigate the specific functions and locations of these processes in the brain.

What is agnosia?

Agnosia is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to recognize and interpret sensory information despite having intact sensory function.

What are the types of agnosia?

The main types of agnosia include visual agnosia, auditory agnosia, and tactile agnosia, each affecting different senses.

What is prosopagnosia?

Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is a specific type of visual agnosia where individuals cannot recognize familiar faces.

What causes prosopagnosia?

Prosopagnosia can result from brain damage, particularly in regions such as the fusiform gyrus, or it can be congenital and present from birth.

Can people with prosopagnosia recognize other objects?

Yes, individuals with prosopagnosia may still recognize objects, places, and other features, but struggle specifically with faces.

How do people with prosopagnosia identify others?

They may rely on voice, clothing, hairstyle, or distinctive features instead of facial recognition to identify individuals.

Is there a treatment for prosopagnosia?

There is no specific treatment for prosopagnosia, but coping strategies and rehabilitation techniques can be developed.

What role does the fusiform gyrus play in face recognition?

The fusiform gyrus is critical for processing and recognizing faces; damage to this area can lead to prosopagnosia.

What does EEG stand for?

EEG stands for electroencephalogram, a test that measures electrical activity in the brain.

What is the primary use of EEG?

EEG is primarily used to diagnose and monitor epilepsy and other brain disorders.

What does PET stand for in medical imaging?

PET stands for positron emission tomography, an imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning.

How does a PET scan work?

A PET scan works by using a small amount of radioactive material to visualize metabolic activity in the body.

What is the main advantage of using an MRI?

The main advantage of MRI is its ability to produce detailed images of internal structures without using radiation.

What does MRI stand for?

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, a technique that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create images of organs and tissues.

What is fMRI used for?

Functional MRI (fMRI) is used to measure and map brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

How does fMRI differ from traditional MRI?

Unlike traditional MRI, which captures static images, fMRI captures dynamic images, allowing researchers to observe brain activity over time.

What are some common applications of fMRI?

Common applications of fMRI include studying brain activity during tasks, mapping brain functions before surgery, and understanding brain disorders.

What can EEG, PET, MRI, and fMRI help diagnose?

These imaging techniques can help diagnose various neurological and psychological conditions, including seizures, tumors, stroke, and brain disorders.

What is TMS?

TMS stands for Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, primarily used for treating depression.

What is the frontal lobe responsible for?

The frontal lobe is involved in reasoning, planning, problem-solving, emotion regulation, and control of behavior.

What functions does the parietal lobe serve?

The parietal lobe processes sensory information, including touch, temperature, pain, and spatial awareness.

What is the main role of the occipital lobe?

The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information and interpreting visual stimuli.

What regions comprise the visual cortex?

The visual cortex is located in the occipital lobe and is organized to process different aspects of vision, such as color, motion, and depth.

What is the role of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum is responsible for coordination, balance, and fine motor control.

What does the auditory cortex process?

The auditory cortex processes auditory information, including pitch, volume, and location of sounds.

Where is the auditory cortex located?

The auditory cortex is located within the temporal lobe of the brain.

How does the frontal lobe contribute to language?

The frontal lobe is involved in language production and speech, particularly in regions like Broca's area.

What is the function of the primary visual cortex?

The primary visual cortex is responsible for the initial processing of visual input from the eyes.

What is the significance of the parietal lobe in spatial awareness?

The parietal lobe integrates sensory information and helps us perceive spatial relationships and navigate our environment.

cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain, involved in complex functions such as perception, thought, and voluntary movement.

What is cognitive psychology?

Cognitive psychology is the branch of psychology that studies mental processes such as perception, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.

What are cognitive processes?

Cognitive processes are the mental activities involved in acquiring, processing, storing, and using knowledge.

What is perception in cognitive psychology?

Perception is the process of organizing and interpreting sensory information to understand the environment.

What is memory?

Memory is the cognitive process that involves encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

What is problem-solving?

Problem-solving is the cognitive process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.

What is attention in cognitive psychology?

Attention is the cognitive process of selectively focusing on specific information while ignoring distractions.