Brain Structures
What part of the brain is primarily associated with higher-order functions such as reasoning and planning?
Frontal lobe
What theory suggests that specific behaviors are associated with specific areas of the brain?
localization of function
What study found that learning and memory tasks can lead to changes in brain structure, specifically in the hippocampus, as seen in taxi drivers?
Maguire et al. (2000) study
What term refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life?
neuroplasticity
What research method involves comparing groups that have been naturally formed, such as those with different levels of exposure to a variable, to investigate the effects of that variable without random assignment?
quasi-experiment
Which brain structure is often referred to as the "emotional brain"? which can also be referred to as ones chimp
limbic system
Which area of the brain, discovered by Broca, is involved in speech production?
Broca's area
What study conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971 examined the psychological effects of perceived power by assigning college students to roles as guards and prisoners in a simulated prison environment?
Stanford Prison Experiment
How does neuroplasticity challenge strict localization theories in psychology?
By showing that functions can be redistributed in response to damage.
Why do researchers prefer using multiple case studies rather than relying on a single case when studying brain function localization?
increase reliability/validity
What is the name of the layer of neurons that covers the brain's outer surface?
cortex
Who discovered Wernicke's area, which is responsible for language comprehension?
Carl Wernicke
What study involved a patient who lost the ability to form new memories after his hippocampus was removed, highlighting the role of this brain area in memory?
H.M. (Henry Molaison)
In what context does neuroplasticity allow recovery of functions after brain damage?
After injury or stroke, other parts of the brain can adapt to take over lost functions.
What research method focuses on understanding human behavior and experiences through non-numerical data?
Qualitative research methods
Which part of the brain is responsible for coordinating movement and balance?
Cerebellum
This brain region is responsible for controlling voluntary movements and is located in the frontal lobe.
Motor cortex
What research found that participants who learned a new motor task exhibited increased grey matter in certain brain regions, demonstrating neuroplasticity?
Draganski et al. (2004)
What is the process where excess dendrites and synapses are eliminated to enhance the efficiency of neural networks?
Neural Pruning
What research method involves comparing the cognitive abilities of individuals with brain damage to those without, often used to study language processing areas like Broca's and Wernicke's areas?
Comparative study
What structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain?
corpus callosum
Which research method involves studying patients with naturally occurring brain injury to understand function localization?
Case study research
This railroad construction foreman survived a 1848 accident in which a 13-pound iron rod pierced his skull, leading to dramatic changes in his personality and contributing to early studies on brain function and behavior. (Considered old now)
Phineas Gage
How might neuroplasticity be relevant in rehabilitation therapies following a stroke or traumatic brain injury?
It allows for retraining and recovery of lost abilities through targeted practice and therapy.
What type of data is characterized by numerical values that can be measured and analyzed statistically to identify patterns and relationships in psychological research?
Quantitative data