Glossary
Brain Stimulation
A research method that involves activating specific brain regions using electrical or chemical means to observe the resulting responses.
Example:
During brain surgery, a neurosurgeon might use brain stimulation to map out motor areas, ensuring they don't damage critical functions.
Case Study
An in-depth investigation of a single individual or a small group, particularly useful for studying rare or unusual phenomena.
Example:
Researchers conducted a case study on a child who developed an extraordinary memory after a specific brain injury, providing unique insights into memory formation.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A brain imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the brain's structure, useful for identifying tumors or injuries.
Example:
After a head injury, a doctor might order a CT scan to check for internal bleeding or skull fractures.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
A brain scanning technique that uses electrodes on the scalp to measure and record the electrical activity of the brain, producing a graphical image of brain waves.
Example:
Doctors use an EEG to diagnose epilepsy by detecting abnormal electrical patterns in the brain during a seizure.
Functional MRI (fMRI)
A brain imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow to show which brain areas are active during specific tasks, combining structural detail with functional tracking.
Example:
To understand which parts of the brain are involved in decision-making, scientists might use an fMRI to observe real-time brain activity as participants make choices.
Left Hemisphere
The brain hemisphere typically responsible for language, logic, analytical thinking, and controlling the right side of the body.
Example:
When solving a complex algebra problem, the left hemisphere of your brain is primarily engaged in the logical and linear processing required.
Lesioning
A research method involving the intentional destruction of specific brain tissue to observe the resulting behavioral changes and understand the function of that area.
Example:
In animal studies, researchers might use lesioning to remove a part of the hippocampus to see how it affects memory formation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A brain imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create highly detailed structural images of the brain's soft tissues.
Example:
An MRI provides a much clearer picture of a brain tumor's exact size and location compared to a standard X-ray.
Phineas Gage
A classic case study subject whose severe brain injury from an iron rod provided crucial insights into the frontal lobe's role in personality and behavior.
Example:
The dramatic changes in personality observed in Phineas Gage after his accident helped scientists understand that different parts of the brain control specific functions.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
A brain imaging technique that uses radioactive glucose to track brain activity, showing which parts of the brain are most active during specific tasks.
Example:
A researcher might use a PET scan to observe which brain regions 'light up' when a person is listening to their favorite music, indicating increased glucose metabolism.
Right Hemisphere
The brain hemisphere typically responsible for visual-spatial processing, creativity, music, art, emotional processing, and controlling the left side of the body.
Example:
A musician improvising a melody or an artist painting a landscape would heavily rely on their right hemisphere for creative and spatial tasks.
Roger Sperry
A neuroscientist whose pioneering research with split-brain patients significantly advanced our understanding of hemispheric specialization.
Example:
Roger Sperry's experiments demonstrated that the two hemispheres of the brain can function independently, each with its own unique abilities.
Split-Brain Patients
Individuals whose corpus callosum, the bridge connecting the two brain hemispheres, has been surgically severed, often to treat severe epilepsy.
Example:
Studies with split-brain patients revealed that if an object was shown only to their left visual field, they could point to it with their left hand but not verbally identify it.