Describe the methods scientists have used to investigate how the brain works. Give examples of how studying the brain has helped us understand the relationship between brain activity and behaviour.
Many psychologists have been interested in looking at how the braIn influences the rest of the body including the behaviour of people. In this essay some of the methods scientist used will be looked at. Some of these methods are P.E.T -Positron emission tomography (neuroimaging techniques), a look at studies on people who have had brain damage, noting change in their behaviour and invasive methods. With the use of PET and invasive techniques, the activities of various parts of the brain are observed using instruments that record the information on computers in various visual forms. The seemingly corresponding behaviour in relation to the brain activity is then noted, which then gives evidence for fact or theory on how the brain works. All the above methods are complimentary in giving an understanding of brain activity and behaviour.
It is a biological fact that the neural system affects the way one thinks and behaves. The brain is made up of a lot of basic cells call neurons. Neurons are cells that process information. Most neurons in the body are in the brain and therefore is seen as the basis of our mental life. All neurons have an electrical charge and move once stimulated. This electrical charge can be measured and therefore give indication of brain activity and how that activity might affect another part of the body. There are many different types of neurons such as sensory neurons which pick up information and pass it on and there are motor neurons which when stimulated by other neurons then move muscles, so affecting a behaviour like movement. Neurotransmitter is a chemical that is released from a neuron and then has an effect on a neighbouring cell. Scientist have looked at the number of these neurons in a normal brain and then study a brain that may...