9.00SC | Fall 2011 | Undergraduate

Introduction to Psychology

Brain I: Structure and Functions

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Session Overview

How does the physical brain create the mind? This session explores how the brain’s structure relates to specific mental functions. The cases of some famous patients, such as Phineas Gage and Patient H.M., demonstrate key points about the brain basis of personality and memory.

Keywords: brain structure, neurons, location of mental functions, hemispheres, Phineas Gage, Paul Broca, corpus callosum, split brain, patient H. M.

Image: Public domain (NIH)

Session Activities

Readings

Read the following before watching the lecture video.

  • [Sacks] Chapter 15 “Reminiscence” (pp. 132-149)
  • Begin one of these chapters in your chosen textbook:

Lecture Videos

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Video Resources

Check Yourself

Question 1

Which part of the neuron transmits information away from the cell body toward other neurons?

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What are the two types of autonomic nervous system?

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Sympathetic nervous system, Parasympathetc nervous system

Further Study

These optional resources are provided for students that wish to explore this topic more fully.

TYPE CONTENT CONTEXT
Web resource Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections (aka “Brain Museum”) Resources on brain anatomy for a wide range of mammals
Web resource The Human Brain. Discovering Psychology. WGBH Educational Foundation, 2001. Summary exploration of the human brain, in animated Flash and non-Flash versions
Supplemental reading Wang, S., and S. Aamodt. Welcome to Your Brain: Why You Lose Your Car Keys but Never Forget How to Drive and Other Puzzles of Everyday Life. Bloomsbury, 2008. ISBN:9781596912830. An overview of current understanding about the human brain, recommended by the TAs
Textbook supplement Study materials for Chapter 3, “The Biology of Mind and Behavior,” in Study Site for Psychology in Context, 3/e (Pearson Education, 2007) Practice test questions, flashcards, and media for a related textbook by Kosslyn & Rosenberg

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Course Info

As Taught In
Fall 2011
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