Brain and neuropsychology

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infoWhy this? Brain and Neuropsychology introduces the biological basis of behaviour for paper 2, including brain structure, localisation of function, and neuropsychological evidence. It completes a balanced introduction to psychology by integrating biological, cognitive, and developmental perspectives.

scheduleWhy now? This topic is placed last as it is conceptually demanding and benefits from students’ prior understanding of cognition and development. By this stage, students are more confident with scientific terminology, evaluation, and extended responses. Studying it later allows for effective synthesis of ideas and prepares students well for Year 11 application and exam-style synoptic questions.

The divisions and basic functions of the human nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system and the fight or flight response. The James Lange theory of emotion
Neurons and synaptic transmissions
Hebb's theory of learning and neural growth
Brain structure: frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe and cerebellum and their basic functions
Localisation of function in the brain: motor, somatosensory, visual, auditory and language areas
Penfield's study of the interpretive cortex
Cognitive neuroscience: how the structure and function of the brain relate to behaviour and cognition.
Use of scanning techniques to identify brain functioning: CT, PET and fRMI scans
Tulving's 'gold' memory study
How neurological damage can affect motor abilities and behaviour

rocket_launchYou must be able to

Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system and how these relate to behaviour and cognitive processes
Apply knowledge of brain structures and neural processes to explain behaviours and cognitive functions
Analyse and evaluate key studies in neuroscience
Assess the use of neuroimaging techniques and their effectiveness in identifying brain functions and abnormalities

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