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1. Describe two methods of research for studying neural function…
1. Describe two methods of research for studying neural function (describe at least one that uses the behavioral or cognitive approach). How do these methods complement one another? What are the limitations of each method?
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Thank you for these observations on the field and its development! Thanks for the sources you cited for support of your points. As we will see, there are many medical and technological advances that help us understand these things even more.
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Hello! You’ve done a great job summarizing some of the reasons why cognitive psychology and neuroscience emerged as separate fields from behaviorism. The interdisciplinary approach of combining cognitive psychology and neuroscience has enabled researchers to better understand the complex relationship between the brain and behavior. By studying the cognitive processes that occur within the brain, and how they are represented and processed at the neural level, cognitive psychology and neuroscience have made significant contributions to our understanding of human behavior and cognition.
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I like how your post was very easy to understand, if there are any confusion, your is not too complicated, or overly detailed. If I did have ay questions I would easily feel comfortable learning based on your post. I like how you explained that they could not really learn from just observing the people behaviors so they did go a little deeper which makes total sense, there is only so much you can tell about a person from watching them. I have seen and observed many things but unless you really take the time to sit and talk they usually let out a lot more then actions can show.
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Computed tomography (CT) scans are X-rays slices that show the density of the brain structures. Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) uses changes in electrically charged molecules in a magnetic field to form imagens of the brain. Both research methods can help to map the brain region associated with different behaviors, specifically studying people with brain injuries (APA, 2014). The limitations of the MRI are that can cause claustrophobia because the narrow of the camara used to take the images, also the patients can not to move, that can cause discomfort in some people. The limitations in the CT scan are that the production of ionizing radiation can cause damage in some tissues. The contrast that is used can produce damage in persons with kidney problems. Also, the contrast can produce problems to breathe when patients are allergic to the contrast specifically Iodine.
According to the article Neuroimaging and psychosocial treatments for depression, the functional MRI and the PET that is used for studying neural function had been used to identify the changes in the brain that occurred under Cognitive Behavior therapy. Studies discovered that the recovery from an acute episode of depression is linked with specific patterns of cortical and subcortical changes. The problem with neuroimaging technics is that can not to be specify if the changes will occur with medications also (M. Eddington K., & Strauman, T.J.,2009).
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Pharmacology involve the agnostic drug, they are sometimes given this and then observes while they perform decision making task. This is then recorded and results are used to see how the neurotransmitters were working of affected based on the decisions and problem solving results.
Invasive stimulation method is a method of intervention with surgery involved. “Direct neural stimulation involves the placement of electrodes on or into the brain.” (Gazzaniga. 2018)
These methods complement each other because they both lead to further research and improvement in the psychological study of the nerves. In improving the ways that we see and understand the brain there are multiple ways to do so that often see different methods like these to do so, some work directly together and others work side by side, but either way the study of the brain and its functions slead all to one.
The limitations in these studies is that both of the research methods do require a certain group of people to complete the study, in the first one the person has to be able to take the medication dn be willing to do the task, depending on the mental capability the medication might work less or more, there are a lot of factors in this study. As for the second invasive method, you go inside the brain which does require a sort of invasive surgery this is more physical then anything and could have a but mre risk since it is straight on.
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Great response! I agree that MRI is a valuable tool for studying brain structures and functions, but it does have limitations that can be challenging for some patients, such as claustrophobia and the need for patients to remain still during the scan. Additionally, the potential risks associated with MRI, such as burns and arrhythmia in patients with pacemakers, should be carefully considered by medical professionals before performing the procedure.
I also agree that TMS is another useful technique for examining neural function, as it can elicit neural activity in the brain without requiring any surgical procedure. TMS has the advantage of being able to create virtual lesions in a specific area of the brain, which can help researchers better understand the brain regions involved in specific cognitive and behavioral processes. However, as you pointed out, TMS also has limitations, such as the difficulty in stimulating subcortical regions of the brain due to a lack of access to these areas.
Overall, I agree that these two methods provide complementary insights into the brain’s structure and functions, and researchers must carefully consider the limitations and potential risks associated with each technique before using them in their studies.
How do you think the limitations of MRI and TMS can be addressed in future research? Are there any emerging techniques or technologies that could overcome these limitations and provide new insights into the brain’s functions?
