Brain Structure and Function

Objectives

Name three methods for studying brain activity. Explain what is measured and how that measurement is linked to thinking or behaviour

Reading

Throughout this course we will be referring you to readings from the e-textbook "Introduction to Psychology, First Edition" by Charles Stangor, published in 2006 by Flat World Knowledge. You can purchase this book in print on online format from Flat World Publishers. Read section 3.2 of the Stangor e-textbook. Humans share basic brain structure with other animals, but human brains differ in the amount and complexity of brain cortex. Read about “old” brain structures humans share with other animals.

Web Resources

Optional - explore similarities and differences among brains of many species at the Brain Museum.

Media

Watch the last part titled 'Hemispheric specialization' of this MIT video on Brain 1: Structure and Functions to learn about one important aspect of human brain function: hemispheric specialization. Scroll down on the MIT lecture pageto “Removed Clip 2” and watch this clip. Note how differently this epilepsy patient’s brain works now that the brain hemispheres have been split.

Activity

Think back to the video with which we started the unit, where the brain scientist describes her stroke. Complete the following in your journal: What does the left hemisphere seem to specialize in? Give examples from the epilepsy patient and from the scientist who had the stroke. What does the right hemisphere seem to specialize in? Give examples from the epilepsy patient and from the scientist who had the stroke.

Activity

Post online: If you had to choose to function with just one hemisphere, would you choose left or right? Why? Read posts from 3 of your classmates. Did they choose the same hemisphere? Did they make you think about your own choice again?