What are the three kinds of studies typically used in biological psychology?
Somatic, Behavioral, Correlational
What are the main variables used in experiments?
Independent variable, Dependent Variable
What are the main groups used in experiments?
Control group, Experimental group
What are electrolytic (radio frequency) lesions?
A type of lesion that destroys brain tissue using strong electrical currents.
What are the two types of chemical lesions?
Excitotoxic lesion and Neurotransmitter lesion.
How does an excitotoxic lesion work?
Killing neurons by overwhelming them with excitatory neurotransmitters.
How does a neurotransmitter lesion work?
Using chemical agents to kill specific neurons.
What are the two types of reversible lesions?
TMS and Lidocaine
How does TMS work?
Uses a magnetic coil to deliver pulses of magnetic energy to the brain.
How does lidocaine work?
Blocking voltage gated sodium channels in nerve cell membranes.
What is the “fibers of passage” problem?
Accidental behavioral changes due to the loss neurons in the nucleus or the loss of axons.
For which lesion technique is the “fibers of passage” a problem for?
Electrolytic Lesion
Why is the “fibers of passage” a problem for this lesion technique?
The electrical current is non-specific. Is destroys everything within a target area.
What is an EEG? How is it used?
Electroencephalograph: Records the collective activity of hundreds of neurons
