PS354: Neuropsychology Module Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

Module Overview: PS354 Neuropsychology

The module's objective is to explore aspects of neuropsychology in relation to specific areas of the brain, damage, and pathologies, with an emphasis on discussion and critical thinking in relation to classic studies in neuropsychology.

Module Objectives

Describe the history and theoretical bases of neuropsychological research
Demonstrate knowledge of functional human neuroanatomy
Describe key methods used in neuropsychology
Differentiate between acquired, congenital, and pathological syndromes of brain injury and their neuropsychological features
Appreciate the use of neuropsychology principles in clinical practice
Describe key experiments that have shaped contemporary behavioral and cognitive neuroscience
Critically evaluate the methodology and conclusions of seminal papers in neuropsychology

Classic Studies in Neuropsychology

The study of brain lesions has contributed to the evolution of neuropsychology
Research during World War II showed that impairment in visuoperceptual and visuoconstructional performance was closely associated with lesions of the right hemisphere
Association of right hemisphere disease with defects in nonverbal auditory discrimination and tactile-spatial performance

Advances in Neuropsychology

Modern developments that have contributed to the emergence of neuropsychology as a distinct scientific discipline:
- Neurosurgery
- Psychometrics and statistical analysis
- Technological advances, particularly in brain imaging

Cognitive Neuropsychology

A branch of cognitive psychology that explores the functional architecture of normal mental processes by performing research on abnormal behavior of patients with brain injury or dysfunction
Main focus: High-order cognitive processes such as reasoning, problem-solving, formation of beliefs, and cognitive nature of social interaction
Research in cognitive neuropsychology involves studying how cognitive function is altered in the presence of an injury in one or more components of the system

Research in Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuropsychology

Cognitive psychology:
- Study individuals with normal cognitive abilities while performing a specific cognitive task
- Develop a theory of the nature of mental processes used to do the task
- Make deductions based on that theory about what results should be expected in experiments involving that type of cognition
- Perform an experiment
- Consider whether data confirm or refute the theory
Cognitive neuropsychology:
- Study how cognitive function is altered in the presence of an injury in one or more components of the system
- Determine and define the functioning of a normal cognitive system
- Establish relationships between cognitive and brain function
- Make predictions on the way brain injury may affect cognition and how the acquisition of a cognitive skill can be disturbed

Contributions of Cognitive Neuropsychology

Contributions to the study of deficits
Contribution to the study of functional localization
Contributions to the understanding of deficits

Description

Test your knowledge on neuropsychology, exploring the relationship between brain areas and their damage or pathologies. This quiz assesses your understanding of the history and theoretical bases of neuropsychological research, functional human neuroanatomy, and key methodologies. Apply your critical thinking skills to classic studies in neuropsychology.