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The use of technology in investigating cognitive processes (8/22) (Tierney…
The use of technology in investigating cognitive processes (8/22)
Introduction
fMRI
MRI
PET
EEG
5 types of brain-imaging technology used to study active brain
CAT
CLA = mental processes can + should be studied scientifically
each scanner has its own strengths + limitations + appropriate to various situations
cognitive processes discusses: memory + language
B.I technology = MRI + PET
Conclusion
all contribute to investigating relationship between cog. processes + behaviour
diff. brain scans are used depending on individual, cause of problem + cog. process being studied
each type has own advantages / disadvantages depending on nature of the study
brain imaging technologies = v. useful for investigating cog. processes
Tierney et al. (2001)
result of encephalitis suffered aged 6 weeks
Method:
MA = man pp with norm. speech functions in a norm. speech study
lesion discovered in left lobe of his brain
Aim:
evaluate bilingual language compensation followed brain damage in childhood
used sign language from young age (parents= deaf)
produces image, red = most active, blue = least
the brain damage should have prevented him from speaking
PET = glucose-tracer injected > more gl. is absorbed where brain is most active
was lesion due to being able to speak despite brain damage?
compared MA to 12 control pp's fluent in sign language
PET scans used while pp's produced narrative speeches / signs
example of
PET
scans investigating cog. process of
language
Results:
MA's right hemisphere was more active than control pp's
Conclusion:
language developed in right hemisphere rather than left (adaptation that followed brain damage)
PET scan used to observe active brain areas (bio factor) while MA produced language (cog. process)
Maguire et al. (2000)
MRI scans used to to compare taxi drivers' hippocampi with already existing images of healthy 'normal' males
Results:
taxi drivers' left + right hippocampi were larger in vol. than 'normal' ppl
Method:
based on knowledge that taxi drivers do 2 year course to learn map of london
other parts of taxi drivers' hippocampi were smaller
Aim:
compare ippocampi strutture in brain sof taxi drivers + 'normal' ppl
Conclusion:
redistribution of grey matter
example of
MRI
scans investigating cog. process of
memory
neurons were stronger in areas of brain used most
(spatial memory skills required to remember roads)
MRI enabled Maguire et al. to observe structures in brain
found connection between hippocampi (bio factor) + memory skills (cog. process)
MRI = magnetic fields + radio waves produces 3D image of brain