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Quiz 1NAME:____________________________________ ID#:_________________
1. What is an important assumption underlying Donder's subtractive method? Why is this assumption sometimes criticized? In which cognitive neuroscience techniques is the subtractive method used?
An important assumption underlying Donders subtractive method is that mental processes occur in real time and that as processes become more complex they are fundamentally unchanged (PURE INSERTION). This assumption is sometimes criticized because it has not been proven that complex processes do not differ in some fundamental way from simple processes. Therefore, the assumption may be an oversimplification. The subtractive method is used with PET and MRI to determine location of brain activity. It is also used in reaction times studies to determine duration of brain activity.
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2. What are the three principal codes in word representations? Use an example to briefly describe their characteristics.
1) Visual code: associated with the perceptual representation of the word.
ex: LINT --> use of visual code allows to answer whether there is a bold letter in the printed word "LINT".
2) Phonological code: associated wiht the sound of the word
ex: Does it rhyme with "LINT"? --> we use this code to answer questions about
sound.
3) Semantic code: associated with the meaning of the word
ex: "Is it more or less than a quarter?" --> we use this code to answer questions
about the meaning of the word.
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3. List one advantage and one disadvantage of the use of metaphors in science.
An advantage is that the metaphor can act as a simple conceptual representation which can lead into the more complex concept. Also, the metaphor can set the stage for asking research questions, for example: if attention is like a spotlight, where and how do we move the spotlight?
A disadvantage is that by using metaphors we may limit our theoretical perspective, close the door to alternative thoughts.
4. What is positron emission tomography (PET)? What does PET measure and how? How good are temporal and spatial resolutions in PET?
PET is a form of neuroimaging. The image is computer generated by counting the number of positrons released from decay of radioactive material injected into the bloodstream. The most active parts of the brain will have the greatest blood concentration and the highest positron count.
The spatial resolution of PET is quite good, but the temporal resolution is poor, because it takes several minutes to complete a scan (PET does not allow real time imaging of the brain).
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5. Briefly describe the three levels of explanation of information processing theories proposed by David Marr.
Level 1 Computational:
This is the WHAT level. What information goes in, and whatLevel 2 Algorithm:information goes out
This the HOW level. how is (or which formula is used to) calculate theLevel 3 Hardware Implementation:incoming information/data to compute the final response?
what "instruments" (hardware) are used to perform the calculation. In the* Marr assumed that each of the three levels could be studied independently of the others.brain, this would refer to the particular neuronal circuit involved in a
computation.
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**Extra credit question**
6. What is the main difference between behaviorism and cognitive psychology? What is the main similarity?
Difference:
Behaviorism studies overt actions (behaviors) of organisms. This field of psychology does not do research on the activities of the mind.
Cognitive psychology DOES attempt to ask and find answers about how the mind works (how cognitive processes occur). Cognitive psychologists study neuronal and brain functioning.
Similarity:
They are similar in their use of empirical (observable) evidence to prove their theories.
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