A Complete Guide to Studying the Brain for Psychology Students
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Studying the brain has always been challenging for psychology students. However, understanding the brain is very important. It is not a hidden fact that the brain is one of the most difficulty parts of studying in psychology. The brain is complex, highly technical and packed with biological terms that can overwhelm students.
Let's start with looking at the common challenges faced by students while studying the brain.
Common Challenges Faced by Psychology Students
Difficulty in memorizing the brain regions and functions.
Understanding the specific functions of each love.
Trouble in understanding the brain- behavior connection.
Confusion over neurotransmitters and their use.
Imaging techniques of the brain.
Difficulty in applying brain related knowledge in the practical setup.
This guide will make concepts related to brain anatomy, functions, neurotransmitters simple to study and give practical strategies to study smarter.
A Guide to Study the Brain Anatomy Without Overwhelm
Let's look at major brain regions and their functions.
Brain Region | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
Cerebrum | Higher cognitive functions like thinking, memory, decision making, voluntary movements. | Problem-solving in exams. |
Thalamus | Processing of sensory information and sending the messages to brain | Recognizing the sound of phone ring. |
Hypothalamus | Overlooks regulation of hormones, hunger, sleep and emotions. | Feeling stressed or hungry. |
Cerebellum | Maintains body balance, motor coordination. | Learning to ride a cycle. |
Medulla | Controls heart rate and breathing. | Breathing. |
Pons | Connects different brain parts and regulates sleep. | Falling asleep after a tired day. |
Amygdala | Emotional processing center including emotions like fear and pleasure. | Feeling scared while watching a horror movie. |
Hippocampus | Helps in forming new memories. | Remembering someone's name after meeting them. |
Tips to study: Divide the brain regions into small chunks and make flashcards to memorize their functions.
Brain Lateralization
Take a look at the left vs right brain distinction and how it works in this video.
Brain Imaging Techniques
Understanding how the brain works requires studying it in action. Here is a quick guide to different imaging techniques:
Technique | Purpose | Used For |
|---|---|---|
MRI | Mapping the brain structure using magnetic fields | Understanding brain injuries and structure. |
fMRI | Functional imaging by tracking blood flow | Understanding how brains responds to different tasks. |
CT Scan | X Ray based structural imaging | Identifying brain damage |
PET Scan | Tracks glucose metabolism | Identifying active brain areas |
EEG | Measures electrical activity | Sleep studies, diagnosis of epilepsy |
Brain and Psychological Disorders
Explore how the brain acts in different disorders in this section.
Disorder | Brain Region/Neurotransmitter Affected |
|---|---|
Depression | Low levels of serotonin, reduced activity in prefrontal cortex |
Anxiety | High levels of norepinephrine and low GABA |
Schizophrenia | Overactive dopamine system |
Alzheimer's | Loss of neurons in the hippocampus |
Parkinson's | Dopamine depletion in substantia nigra |
Study Brain Effectively
Best study techniques for understanding the brain in detail:
Use active recall method- quiz yourself on different brain regions.
Spaced repetition by revising the learnt materials at increasing intervals can help to learn better.
Create mind maps to learn concepts visually.
Use mnemonics to remember better.
References:
Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2015). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain (4th ed.).
Stay tuned to Aapli Psych Blogs for more such readings!
