Module 1.4a Flashcards
(11 cards)
Biological Psychology
The scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) & psychological processes. Some biological psychologists call themselves behavioral neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists, physiological psychologists, or bio psychologists.
Biopsychosocial Approach
An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, & social-cultural levels of analysis.
Levels of Analysis
The differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given circumstances. (phenomenon)
Neuroplasticity
the brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.
Lesion
Tissue destruction. Brain lesions may occur naturally (from disease or trauma), during surgery, or experimentally (using electrodes to destroy brain cells).
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.
ELECTROencephalogram = ELECTROdes
MEG
A brain-imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity.
CT
A series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain’s structure.
PET
A technique fro detecting brain activity that displays where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain preforms a given task.
MRI
A technique that uses magnetic fields & radio waves to produce computer-generated images of soft tissue. MRI scans show brain anatomy.
fMRI
A technique for revealing blood flow and therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. fMRI scans show brain function as swell as structure.
