Biological

psychology
 2 minutes
Topic Techniques to Learn About the Brain and Neural Function

LO: To learn about the techniques used in psychology

to study the brain and neural function

SC:
1. I identify and describe at least three different techniques used to
study the brain.
2. I can explain the strengths and limitations of each technique
LO :
1 minute

BIG
To learn about the Keyterms
techniques used in
psychology to study Neural

IDEA
the brain and neural EEG
function PET
fMRI
Sc :

1. I identify and Standards

describe at CCSS.ELA-
least three LITERACY.RST.11-
12.1, CCSS.ELA-
different How do psychologists study LITERACY.RST.11-
techniques
used to study the brain and neural function? 12.2
National Standards
the brain. for High School
2. I can explain Psychology
the strengths Curricula: Standard
and limitations 2: Biological Bases
of each of Behavior
technique
 Engage
LO :
5 minutes
To learn about the Keyterms
techniques used in
psychology to study Neural
the brain and neural Look at the image below and answer the
questions that follow EEG
function PET
fMRI
Sc :

1. I identify and Standards

describe at CCSS.ELA-
least three LITERACY.RST.11-
different 12.1, CCSS.ELA-
LITERACY.RST.11-
techniques
1. What is the brain? 12.2
used to study National Standards
2. What is the brain made of?
the brain. 3. How does the brain work? for High School
2. I can explain 4. Name the parts of a brain. Psychology
the strengths Curricula: Standard
and limitations https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/ 2: Biological Bases
of each conditions-and-diseases/anatomy-of-the- of Behavior
brain
technique https://youtu.be/6qS83wD29PY
 Engage 5 minutes

Case Study: The Curious Case of Phineas Gage

Phineas Gage was a 25-year-old railroad construction foreman in the mid-1800s. His story has
become a landmark case in the field of psychology, illustrating the profound impact of
understanding brain and neural function on human behavior.
Background: Phineas Gage was known for his reliability and good-natured temperament.
However, in 1848, a tragic accident changed his life. While tamping down explosives into a
blasting hole, an unexpected spark ignited the powder, causing an iron rod to be propelled
through his left cheek, passing behind his left eye, and exiting through the top of his head.
Astonishingly, Gage survived the accident, but his personality underwent a dramatic
transformation.
Change in Behavior: Prior to the accident, Gage was described as responsible, dependable,
and well-mannered. However, following the injury, he became impulsive, irritable, and prone
to fits of anger. He struggled with maintaining relationships and employment, which was in
stark contrast to his previous character. This marked change in personality raised questions
about the connection between brain damage and behavior.
Significance in Psychology: Phineas Gage's case highlighted the crucial role of the brain in
regulating behavior and personality. His story provided early evidence that damage to
specific brain areas could result in profound changes in cognitive and emotional functioning.
While this case study did not provide a direct understanding of the neural mechanisms
involved, it sparked interest in investigating the link between brain regions and psychological
LO :

Key terms
5 minutes
To learn about the Keyterms
techniques used in
psychology to study Neural
the brain and neural EEG
function PET
fMRI
Sc :

1. I identify and Standards

describe at CCSS.ELA-
least three LITERACY.RST.11-
different 12.1, CCSS.ELA-
LITERACY.RST.11-
techniques
12.2
used to study National Standards
the brain. for High School
2. I can explain Psychology
the strengths Curricula: Standard
and limitations 2: Biological Bases
of each of Behavior
technique
LO :

To learn about the

techniques used in
Explore 10 minutes
Keyterms

psychology to study
the brain and neural pair work Neural
EEG
function PET
GROUP A
Research and prepare a brief presentation about fMRI
Sc : the PET scan and how it is used in study of
psychology
1. I identify and Standards
describe at CCSS.ELA-
GROUP B LITERACY.RST.11-
least three Research and prepare a brief presentation about 12.1, CCSS.ELA-
different the fMRI and how it is used in study of LITERACY.RST.11-
techniques psychology 12.2
used to study National Standards
the brain. for High School
2. I can explain GROUP C Psychology
the strengths Research and prepare a brief presentation about Curricula: Standard
the EEG and how it is used in study of
and limitations 2: Biological Bases
psychology of Behavior
of each
technique
 Explore
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
10 minutes

Both EEG and MEG have their disadvantages and have been replaced by more recent methods
such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This technique can detect the smallest
of changes and is useful in both diagnosis of disease and the development of treatments.
fMRI uses very powerful magnets and can localize brain activity changes to regions as small as
one cubic millimeter. In addition, it is not an invasive procedure and can be used widely.
However fMRI, does fail to provide real-time dynamics of blood flow within the brain.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)
This is a diagnostic test that uses electrodes placed over the scalp to record the electrical activity of the
brain, especially the cerebral cortex. The recording of potential differences on the scalp caused by brain
activity was first reported by Hans Berger in 1929. This gave rise to the EEG that is used widely today.
The EEG measures mass changes in synaptic activity in the nerves of the brain and is helpful in
diagnosing, treating and evaluating diseases that change electrical activity in the brain, such as epilepsy.
Around a couple of decades ago, multichannel EEG recording techniques came into use.
These use mathematically extensive modelling algorithms to help locate functional brain areas based on
the scalp-potential distributions. This is termed high-resolution EEG.
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
The first recording of cerebral magnetic fields was performed with an induction coil by David Cohen in
1968. The first recording with a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) was also
performed by Cohen in 1972. The pioneering research on MEG then began.
MEG can map brain activity by recording the electromagnetic fields that are produced by the naturally
occurring electrical currents in the brain. This technique offers a better spatial resolution than EEG and
helps to pinpoint problematic sites.
 Express
LO :
10 minutes
To learn about the Keyterms
techniques used in
psychology to study Neural
the brain and neural EEG
function 1. Write a podcast-style discussion where PET
you explain your chosen technique and its fMRI
Sc : significance.
2. Write a summary of what you have learnt
1. I identify and today. (8 sentences) Standards
describe at 3. Having learnt the techniques used in CCSS.ELA-
least three psychology to study the brain, write your LITERACY.RST.11-
different own experience about one of those 12.1, CCSS.ELA-
techniques. (8 sentences) LITERACY.RST.11-
techniques
12.2
used to study National Standards
the brain. for High School
2. I can explain Psychology
the strengths Curricula: Standard
and limitations 2: Biological Bases
of each of Behavior
technique
 Evaluate
LO :
10 minutes
To learn about the Keyterms
techniques used in
psychology to study Neural
the brain and neural EEG
function PET
fMRI
Sc : Imagine you are the leader of
UAE, explain how you would
1. I identify and Standards
describe at
increase the awareness of the CCSS.ELA-
least three these techniques used in study LITERACY.RST.11-
12.1, CCSS.ELA-
different of psychology. How would your LITERACY.RST.11-
techniques
used to study decision impact the world? 12.2
National Standards
the brain. for High School
2. I can explain Psychology
the strengths Curricula: Standard
and limitations 2: Biological Bases
of each of Behavior
technique