The Biological Approach 2
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 5.1.9
Cognitive Neuroscience
Recently, many cognitive psychologists have started to use insights from neuroscience. This involves linking cognitive processes, such as memory, with the brain processes on which they are based.
Cognitive reasoning
- While inferences and computer models are useful in explaining behaviour, they don’t tell us how and why cognitive processes are happening in the brain.
Neuroscience
- Neuroscience is the study of the brain.
- In recent years, many cognitive psychologists have started to use insights from neuroscience, and have accepted that understanding the brain provides useful information about cognition.
Materialism
- Linking neuroscience and cognitive psychology together led to a new field called cognitive neuroscience.
- The idea that every cognitive process is directly linked to brain activity is called materialism.
- As it is based on materialism, cognitive neuroscience assumes that all cognitive processes are based on the activity of brain areas and their neurons.
FMRI imaging
- A key method used in cognitive neuroscience is the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scan.
- This technology allows people to do a cognitive task such as a memory or attention test in a brain scanner, so that researchers can see which parts of the brain become active.
Test yourself on The Biological Approach 2
What is neuroscience?
What does fMRI stand for?