Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function
Noah Carter
8 min read
Listen to this study note
Study Guide Overview
This AP Psychology study guide covers brain research methods, including case studies (e.g., Phineas Gage, split-brain patients), lesioning, brain stimulation, and brain scanning techniques. Key brain scans covered are EEG, PET, CT, MRI, and fMRI. The guide emphasizes hemispheric specialization and provides practice questions and exam tips.
#AP Psychology Study Guide: Brain Scans & Research Methods 🧠
Welcome to your ultimate review for the brain scanning and research methods section of AP Psychology! Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace this part of the exam. We'll break down complex concepts with clear explanations, memory aids, and exam-focused tips. Let's get started!
#1. Introduction to Brain Research Methods
#Why Study the Brain?
Understanding the brain is crucial because it's the control center for everything we do, think, and feel. AP Psychology dedicates a significant portion to this topic, so let's make sure we've got it down!
#
Key Methods Overview
We'll be covering several important methods used to study the brain:
- Case Studies: In-depth analysis of individuals or small groups, often with unique circumstances. Jump to Case Studies
- Lesioning: Destroying specific brain areas to observe behavioral changes. Jump to Lesioning
- Brain Stimulation: Activating brain regions to observe responses.
- Brain Scans: Various technologies to visualize brain structure and activity. Jump to Brain Scans
#2. Case Studies: Deep Dives into Unique Cases
#What is a Case Study?
- A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single individual or a small group. This method is particularly useful when studying rare or unusual phenomena.
#Phineas Gage: A Classic Example
- Remember Phineas Gage? He's the poster child for case studies! 👷♂️ His story, where an iron rod pierced his skull, provided crucial insights into the brain's function. His case helped us understand the role of the frontal lobe in personality and behavior.
#
Split-Brain Studies
- Split-brain patients, whose corpus callosum (the bridge between the two hemispheres) has been severed, have also been a major focus of case studies. This procedure was sometimes used to treat severe epilepsy.
- These studies revealed the specialized functions of each hemisphere.
#
Hemispheric Specialization:
- Left Hemisphere: Think Language, Logic, Linear. Controls the right side of the body, language (spoken and written), math, and analytical thinking. ✍️📚
- Right Hemisphere: Think Relations, Rhythm, Reality. Controls the left side of the body, visual-spatial processing, music, art, and emotional processing. 🎨🎵
#Roger Sperry's Contributions
- Roger Sperry's research with split-brain patients significantly ...
How are we doing?
Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve