Methods in Social Neuroscience and Psychological Research

Electrophysiology

Study of electrical properties in biological cells.

Response Times

Measure of processing efficiency and performance modulation.

Surveys

Questionnaires assessing thoughts and experiences.

Single Cell Recordings

Technique measuring activity of individual neurons.

EEG/ERP

Electroencephalography; records electrical activity of the brain.

MEG

Magnetoencephalography; measures magnetic fields from neural activity.

Observations

Research method focusing on behavior without interference.

Functional Imaging

Techniques like PET to visualize brain activity.

Lesions

Damage to brain areas used to study functions.

Brain Stimulation

Techniques like TMS and tDCS to modulate brain activity.

Skin Conductance Response (SCR)

Measures electrical conductance related to sweating.

Electromyography (EMG)

Records electrical activity associated with muscle contractions.

Biological Individual Differences

Variations in genes, hormones, and brain structure.

Performance Measures

Assessments of response times and accuracy in tasks.

Accuracy

Measured as error rates or percent correct.

Speed-Accuracy Trade-off

Faster responses often lead to lower accuracy.

Observational Measures

Data collection through direct observation of behavior.

Preferential Looking

Time spent looking at stimuli indicates preference.

Habituation

Diminished response to repeated stimuli over time.

Acquiescence Bias

Tendency to agree with statements regardless of content.

Factor Analysis

Statistical method reducing data set complexity.

External Validity

Degree to which findings generalize to real life.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nervous system part controlling bodily responses.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary bodily functions and responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Promotes rest and recovery; decreases heart rate.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares body for fight or flight response.

Neuron Structure

Dendrites receive signals; axons transmit signals.

Action Potential

Rapid change in membrane potential signaling neuron firing.

Chemical Synapse

Site where neurotransmitters transmit signals between neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals facilitating communication between neurons.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter regulating mood, appetite, and sleep.

Spiking Rate

Frequency of action potentials indicating information coding.

Gray Matter

Neuronal cell bodies involved in processing information.

White Matter

Axons and glia facilitating information transfer.

Limbic System

Brain region involved in emotions and memory.

Thalamus

Sensory relay center for all senses except smell.

Hypothalamus

Regulates bodily functions like temperature and hunger.

Basal Ganglia

Group of structures controlling movement and learning.

Temporal Resolution

Accuracy of timing in event measurement.

Spatial Resolution

Accuracy of location in event measurement.

Invasiveness

Refers to internal vs. external measurement methods.