Unit 1.4a -- The Brain: Neuroplasticity and Tools of Discovery

Biological Psychology

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 socio-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon

Neuroplasticity

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

Lesion

Tissue destruction → may occur naturally or during surgery

EEG

“electroencephalogram”

• recording of waves of electrical activity across brain surface

• electrodes on scalp

MEG

“magnetoencephalogram”

• brain imaging

• magnetic fields from brains natural electrical activity

CT scan

“computed tomography”

• xray photos from different angles

• combined into representation of brain structure

PET

“positron emission tomography”

• shows where radioactive glucose goes during brain performing tasks

MRI

“magnetic resonance imaging”

• magnetic rfie

ues magnetic fields and radiowaves to produce computer generated images of soft tissue → MRI shows brain anatomy

fMRI (functional MRI)

reveals bloodflow and therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans

• shows brain function as well as structure