Brain Imaging

Question 1

What is the brain myth presented in the movie “Lucy”?

Answer 1

• That we only use 10% of our brain.
• However the brain uses 2% of the bodies mass but 20% of the bodies resources.
• It would be biologically expensive to only use 10%.

Question 2

Are there 2 sides to the brain?

Answer 2

• Yes, two hemispheres but work together - not a creative side and a mathematical side that work independently.

Question 3

What did Rouschar find in 1993?

Answer 3

• Listening to music improves performance attention and arousal - newspapers sensationalise this “Mozart makes children more intelligent”.

Question 4

How many promulgations of connections are there in the brain?

Answer 4

More than there are atoms in the universe.

Question 5

What does the brain change in relation to?

Answer 5

In response to experience - basis for learning and memory.

Question 6

What did Gall use brain imaging (Phrenology) for in 1796?

Answer 6

Head injury, measuring brain activity, EEG, animal experiments, developemental changes.

Question 7

How did Henry Molaison help us learn about the brain and memory?

Answer 7

• Epileptic seizures.
• Hippocampus removed aged 27, while awake.
• Forgot his age and who was talking to him.
• Implicit and motor memory remained in tact.
• Different information is stored in different areas of the brain.

Question 8

How is retrograde and anterograde amnesia presented in films?

Answer 8

• Retrograde - accident makes them forget everything - forgets old memories but can form new. (Often a happy ending).
• Anterograde - Can’t make new memories - often depressing story line.

Question 9

What does FMRI scan stand for?

Answer 9

• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Question 10

What does an FMRI look for?

Answer 10

• Measures areas using the most oxygen (Blood Oxygen Level Dependant imaging).
• Compares activation during a task with activation during rest periods.

Question 11

What is an EEG scan?

Answer 11

• An electroencephalogram.

Question 12

What does and EEG scan do?

Answer 12

• Detects changes in potentials (voltage) through electrodes placed on the scalp.

Question 13

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?

Answer 13

1. Electric coil placed against your scalp.
2. Electromagnet painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse that stimulates nerve cells in the region of your brain involved in mood control and depression.
3. Thought to activate regions of the brain that have decreased activity.

Question 14

What are the limitations of TMS?

Answer 14

1. Cost.
2. Not consistent with other areas of psychology.
3. Current technology is more effective.

Question 15

How can we use the brain to sell?

Answer 15

1. Credibility to research.
2. Power to captivate reaches beyond their power to explain.
3. McCab and Castel (2008) - brain images = higher rating.
4. Company endorsement - misdirection of public money.

Question 16

What are the consequences of brain imaging?

Answer 16

• FMRI.
• Lie detectors used in a court of law.
• Drug abuse.
• MH treatment.
• Neuroethics.