1. THE BRAIN AND BEHAVIOUR
IB Psychology LAJM

2. TASK
To what extent is our behaviour the result of physiological processes happening in our bodies?
What other factors should we take into consideration?

3. BIDERCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
PHYSIOLOGY
BIDERCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
ENVIRONMENT
COGNITION

4. TASK
Which factor affecting human behaviour is the most influential one?
Try to give reasons

5. Nature vs. nurture debate
Is the human behaviour the result of biological or environmental factors?
Interactionist approach
Biology and environment influence each other reciprocally

6. TASK How does your mind exist?
How is your mind different from your body?
What is the relationship between your body and mind?

7. Mind–body problem
What is the relationship between matter and mind?

8. Reductionism Biological approach usually adopts a reductionist view
Human behaviour can be explained with physiological factors such as genes, hormones and neurotransmitters

9. Materialism
The mind is just an abstract level of description of the physiological functions of the brain
The mind is not separate from the brain

10. TASK
Do the “mind trip” with teacher’s instructions

11. Neuron Neuron = nerve cell Neuron ≠ nerve
Our nervous system consists of circa 86 billion neurons (estimates vary)

12. TASK
Draw a neuron with the help of the teacher

13. TASK Read Gray 149–151 What are the functions of neuron’s parts?
Write the functions down on your drawing of a neuron
Find out what sensory neurons, motor neurons and interneurons are
What are the main functions of these types of neurons?
Where can we find these neurons?

14. Neuron

15. Action potential Nerve impulse, a function unique to nerve cells
Information within a neuron is conveyed in the form of action potentials

16. TASK Complete the handout with the help of the teacher
Again, let’s draw pictures!

17. Action potential

18. Synaptic transmission
Synapse is a junction between the axon terminal and the receiving neuron
Information between neurons is conveyed through synapses

19. TASK Again, complete the handout with the help of the teacher
And once more, let’s draw pictures!

20. Synaptic transmission

22. TASK Watch the following video on common myths about the brain

23. Brain research
Maps brain structures and localizes brain functions

24. Post-mortem studies
Broca’s aphasia
Wernicke’s aphasia

25. Clinical neuropsychology
Research on brain damage
How does the damage alter the patients behaviour?
Case studies

26. Correlative research design
Measuring behaviour and it’s relationship with brain structures using mathematical method
INTELLIGENCE

27. Physiological psychology
Stimulating the nervous system and measuring the results
E.g. Penfield’s research

28. Psychophysiology Altering the behaviour and measuring the results
E.g. single cell recording

29. Brain mapping technologies
Temporal resolution
How precise is the technology with respect to time?
Spatial resolution
How accurately the technology maps the brain?
Invasiveness
To what extent does the technology affect the normal functioning of the body?

30. GROUP PROJECT Form 6 groups
Each group is given one type of brain research technology
Each group compiles a presentation and uploads it to OneNote
Remember to mark all your sources
Describe and evaluate the technology
How does the technology work and how is it used?
Give examples: stories, pictures, videos etc.
What are the pros and the cons in terms of temporal resolution, spatial resolution and invasiveness?

31. GROUP PROJECT GROUP 1: Electroencephalography, EEG
GROUP 2: Magnetoencephalography, MEG
GROUP 3: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS
GROUP 4: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, MRI
GROUP 5: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, fMRI
GROUP 6: Positron Emission Tomography, PET

32. Brain mapping technologies
Computed Axial Tomography, CAT or Computerized Tomography, CT
Combining several x-ray images with the help of a computer

33. Brain mapping technologies
Diffusion Tensor Imaging, DTI
Tracks down water molecule movements in axons
Makes axons visible

34. Brain mapping technologies
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, tDCS
Alters neurons firing threshold with electric current conducted through the scull

35. Brain mapping technologies
Optical Imaging, OI
Mapping the brain anatomy and functions with light

36. Brain mapping technologies
Analysing anatomical structure of the brain
CAT, MRI and DTI
Analysing electrical brain activity
Single cell recording, EEG, MEG, TMS and tDCS
Analysing functional metabolic activity
PET and fMRI

37. Neural networks and neuroplasticity
Synaptic connections between neurons form neural networks
Changes in neural networks is termed neuroplasticity
Changes can occur from genetic and/or environmental factors

38. Sources
Bjorklund, D. & Gray, P. (2014). Psychology (7th edition). New York: Worth Publishers.
Crane, J. & Hannibal, J. (2009). Psychology Course Companion. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Musolino, J. (2015). The Soul Fallacy. New York: Prometheus Books.
Paavilainen, P. (2016). Toimivat aivot – Kognitiivisen neurotieteen perusteita. Helsinki: Edita.

39. Picture sources
Rotating body < Accessed 26th of August 2017.
Human gene < Accessed 26th of August 2017.
Natuer vs. nurture < Accessed 26th of August 2017.
”Mind” < Accessed 26th of October 2015.
”Mind and body” < Accessed 26th of October 2015.
Descartes’ reductionist drawing of a duck < Accessed 23rd of November 2015.
Brain 1 < Accessed 26th of October 2015.
”Cosmic brain” < Accessed 29th of August 2017.
Central and peripheral nervous systems < Accessed 29th of August 2017.
Drawing a tree < > Accessed 29th of August 2017.
Types of neurons < Accessed 29th of August 2017.

40. Picture sources
Action potential 1 <Action potential < Accessed 26th of October 2015.
Synaptic transmission < Accessed 26th of October 2015.
Comic brain < Accessed 29th of August 2017.
> Accessed 29th of August 2017
Action potential 2 < Accessed 26th of October 2015.
Synapse 1 < Accessed 30th of August 2017.
Synapse 2 < Accessed 30th of August 2017.
Structures of neurotransmitters < Accessed 31st of August 2017.

41. Picture sources
Lobes of the brain < Accessed 15 of November 2017.
Broca’s aphasia brain < Accessed 3rd of September 2017.
Wernicke’s aphasia brain < Accessed 3rd of September 2017.
Stroke patient < Accessed 3rd of September 2017.
Small brain < Accessed 18th of April 2016.
Pennfield studies, brain map < Accessed 3rd of September 2017.
Single cell register < Accessed 3rd of September 2017.

42. Picture sources
X-ray < Accessed 14th of September 2017.
DTI < Accessed 14th of September 2017.
tDCS < Accessed 14th of September 2017.
OI < Accessed 14th of September 2017.
Brain cell