studying the brain

studying the brain

1. brain lesions

   • key
     • lesion - behavioural consequences
     • manipulation
       • neural activity
     • measure
       • behaviour
   • impairment patterns
     • single dissociation
       • selective impairment
         • Task A perf impaired
         • Task B perf intact
     • double dissociation
       • 2 opposite single dissociation
       • independence (strong)

2. stimulating neural activity

   • key
     • stimulates brain areas - behavioural consequences
     • manipulation
       • neural activity
     • measure
       • behaviour
   • transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS
     • alters magnetic field - elec activity
     • temporary excitation
     • temporary disruption

3. recording neural activity

   • key
     • alter behaviour - neural activity
     • manipulation
       • behaviour
     • measure
       • neural activity
   • direct
     • macroelectrodes
       • attached to the scalp
         • large groups of neurons
         • EEG: electroencephalogram
       • applications
         • Event-Related Potential (ERP)
           • markers of cognitive processes
           • averaging EEG
             • remove noise;
           • good temporal resolution
         • diagnosis (eg seizures)
         • sleep stages
   • indirect
     • magnetic field
       • MEG
     • metabolic rate
       • PET
         • glucose uptake
       • fMRI
         • blood oxygen level BOLD signal
       • subtraction methodology
         • brain active at all times
         • subtract a control task