SOC 32 Lecture Notes - Lecture 29: Neuroeconomics, Heart Rate, Hindbrain
Document Summary
Cell structure: 2 types: glia (metabolic) and neurons (perform computation and are foundation for all cognitive functions) 1trillion neurons in brain. Function: neuron receives on its dendrites (postsynaptic) inputs from hundreds of other neurons and then makes synaptic contacts at its nerve endings (presynaptic) with hundreds of other neurons. Neural circuits: neurons engaged in realted computations tend to be grouped closely together (brain is modular) Brain anatomy: 3 sections: hindbrain, midbrain (basic), forebrain, nucleus accumbens: reward system. Strength and limitations of different methods: spacial resolution, temporal resolution. -> combine techniques fmri: functional mri- track blood in brain using changes in magnetic properties due to blood oxygenation, reflects inputs to neurons and their processing. The higher the spacial resolution, the lower the temporal resolution. 4 important measurments that reflect arousal: heart rate, blood pressure, pupil dilation. They are useful in combination with other techniques. Parc ii: tutorial 1 topic- decision-making: simple choice.
