IB Psych Bio Quiz

Techniques to Study the Brain

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A non-invasive imaging technology that produces detailed anatomical images of the brain using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. It is commonly used for visualization of soft tissues in the brain and other organs.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An advanced form of MRI that assesses brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, allowing researchers to observe functional areas associated with specific tasks.

Localization of Function

The concept that different parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions or behaviors, which advances understanding of how brain regions are linked to particular cognitive processes.

Basal Ganglia

A group of nuclei in the brain associated with movement regulation, reward, and various cognitive functions.

Cerebellum

A structure at the back of the brain that plays a crucial role in motor control, coordination, balance, and the learning of motor skills.

Frontal Lobe

The front part of the brain associated with reasoning, motor skills, higher-level cognitive functions, and decision-making.

Parietal Lobe

Located near the center of the brain, this lobe processes sensory information and is involved in spatial orientation and navigation.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped cluster of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobes that is critical for processing emotions, especially fear and pleasure.

Hippocampus

A structure located in the medial temporal lobe that plays important roles in the formation of memories and spatial navigation.

Studies

Milner Study on Patient HM

A case study that demonstrated the role of the hippocampus in memory formation following surgery that removed parts of HM's hippocampus.

Squire Study (2004)

Highlighted the hippocampus's significant role in memory formation and demonstrated that other brain regions can partially compensate for lost functions due to damage.

Maguire Study (2000)

Investigated how extensive spatial navigation affects the structural changes in the hippocampus of London taxi drivers.

Neuroplasticity Concepts

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, adapting to new experiences and recover from injuries.

Neural Networks

Complex networks of interconnected neurons that process and transmit information in the brain.

Dendritic Branching

The process by which neurons grow dendrites to form new connections with other neurons, facilitating communication.

LTP (Long-Term Potentiation)

A lasting enhancement in signal transmission between neurons that results from repeated stimulation, fundamental for learning and memory.

Pruning

The process of eliminating excess synapses and neurons to improve the efficiency of neural networks during development.

Studies on Neuroplasticity

Maguire Study (2000)

Looks at neuroplasticity in the context of spatial navigation and changes in hippocampal structure.

Draganski Study

Investigated the structural changes in the brains of participants learning to juggle, demonstrating neuroplasticity.

Neurotransmission Concepts

Neurotransmission

The process through which signaling molecules (neurotransmitters) are released by neurons to communicate with other neurons across synapses.

Neuron

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system, transmitting signals through electrical impulses.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where neurotransmission occurs, facilitating communication across neural pathways.

Receptor

A protein on the surface of a neuron that binds to specific neurotransmitters, triggering a response in the receiving neuron.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Excitatory

Refers to neurotransmitters that promote the firing of neurons, increasing the likelihood of an action potential.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle action, learning, and memory; plays a significant role in the communication between motor neurons and muscles.

Inhibitory

Refers to neurotransmitters that decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing, reducing excitability.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

The main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps to calm neuronal activity and regulate anxiety.

Agonist

A substance that enhances the action of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptors and mimicking its effects.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter, preventing it from binding to its receptors.

Scopolamine

A drug that acts as an antagonist to acetylcholine receptors, often used to treat motion sickness and post-operative nausea.

Studies on Neurotransmission

Rogers & Kessner Study

Investigated the role of acetylcholine in memory consolidation by administering scopolamine to participants.

Antonova Study

Examined the effects of scopolamine on spatial memory using fMRI, showing impairments in brain areas when acetylcholine was inhibited.

Prevot Study

Focused on the interaction of neurotransmitters like GABA and their effects on anxiety levels.

Troster & Beatty Study (optional)

Explored the effects of cholinergic drugs on cognitive performance and their influence on memory loss.

Studies and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

Milner Study on Patient HM

Strengths:

• In-depth case study providing comprehensive insights into memory functions.

• Highlights the role of the hippocampus in memory formation.

• Uses various methods (interviews, testing, observation) for triangulation.

Weaknesses:

• Findings may not be generalizable due to the focus on one individual.

• Subjective interpretation of data from interviews and observations.

Squire Study (2004)

Strengths:

• Provides strong evidence for the role of the hippocampus in memory.

• Uses a range of participants and research methods for validation.

Weaknesses:

• Similar to Milner's study, findings are based on specific cases that may not represent the general population.

• Relies on neuroimaging which can be limited by technological constraints.

Maguire Study (2000)

Strengths:

• Demonstrates neuroplasticity through a well-defined set of participants (taxi drivers).

• Utilizes advanced MRI technology for structural analysis of the brain.

Weaknesses:

• Differences in brain structure could be influenced by pre-existing factors (e.g., spatial navigation abilities).

• Small sample size may limit the applicability of results.

Draganski Study

Strengths:

• Provides clear evidence of neuroplastic changes due to learned skills (juggling).

• Longitudinal design adds strength to conclusions about change over time.

Weaknesses:

• Limited to a specific skill, findings may not apply to other forms of learning or activities.

• Sample size and demographic characteristics may affect the robustness of the results.

Rogers & Kessner Study

Strengths:

• Provides insight into the role of acetylcholine in memory consolidation.

• Well-designed experimental method that minimizes bias.

Weaknesses:

• Ethical considerations around using scopolamine can complicate the study's acceptability.

• Findings might not be extensive across different types of memory processes.

Antonova Study

Strengths:

• Uses fMRI to observe brain activity, providing objective findings.

• A controlled experimental design helps in establishing causality.

Weaknesses:

• Scopolamine's impact may vary by individual, affecting generalizability.

• Relatively small sample size may limit statistical power of results.

Prevot Study

Strengths:

• Explores the interaction of neurotransmitters and anxiety; provides valuable insights into mental health.

• Employs a variety of methods for comprehensive understanding.

Weaknesses:

• May not account for other external factors influencing anxiety levels.

• Focus on neurotransmitter interaction can oversimplify complex mental health conditions.

Troster & Beatty Study (optional)

Strengths:

• Investigates the effects of drugs on cognitive performance; relevant for understanding memory.

• Provides practical implications for pharmacological treatments.

Weaknesses:

• Ethical concerns regarding drug administration in human studies.

• Results may not be applicable to all demographics or types of cognitive performance.