Resource Key
When accessing content use the numbers below to guide you:
LEVEL 1
brief, basic information laid out in an easy-to-read format. May use informal language. (Includes most news articles)
LEVEL 2
provides additional background information and further reading. Introduces some subject-specific language.
LEVEL 3
lengthy, detailed information. Frequently uses technical/subject-specific language. (Includes most analytical articles)
Britannica Online Encyclopedia
- Britannica Schools This link opens in a new windowBritannica School covers the core subject areas of English, Maths, Science and History. Interactive lessons, activities, games, stories, worksheets, manipulatives, study guides and research tools.
Psychological & Behavioural Sciences
- Psychological & Behavioural Sciences This link opens in a new windowThis comprehensive resource is an essential tool for psychologists, counselors, researchers and students, providing extensive full-text coverage for a broad range of subjects in the fields of psychology, behavioral sciences and related disciplines.
Australian New Zealand Reference Centre Plus
- Australia/New Zealand Reference Centre Plus This link opens in a new windowThis resource provides the largest collection of full text from leading regional and international newspapers and periodicals, full-text reference books, tens of thousands of full-text biographies, and a collection of images containing more than one million photos, maps, and flags.
Introduction
This research guide is designed to help you find research material online and in the library for the Biological Psychology task to research physiological and psychological responses to drugs. This guide explores:
- the structure and function of the major parts of the brain
- structure and function of neurons
- methods for investigating the brain and
- physiological and psychological responses to drugs.
The Forebrain and Midbrain
Sterling Pixels. (2014). The human brain: forebrain and midbrain [Clickview broadcast]. Retrieved from https://clickv.ie/w/ZHMd
Brain Structure and Function
- Mindmap of the brain. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.twig-world.com/mindmap/197/brain/This site contains a selection of videos demonstrating what the brain looks like and the specific functions of the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebrum.
- Structure and function of the brain. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sparknotes.com/psychology/psych101/thebrain/section5.rhtmlThis website explores the three main parts of the brain: the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain.
- Lewis, T. (2015). Human brain: facts, anatomy & mapping project. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/29365-human-brain.htmlThe human brain is the command center for the human nervous system. It receives input from the sensory organs and sends output to the muscles. This website explores the facts, anatomy and mapping of the brain.
- BBC. (2014). The human brain map. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/interactives/ organs/brainmap/This interactive map of the brain allows you to explore both its function and structure.
- Heffner, C. L. (n.d.). The brain and nervous system. Retrieved from http://allpsych.com/psychology101/brain/#.Vfoqjp2qqkoThis website discusses the nervous system and it's two two major systems: central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
- Brain and spinal cord. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels /high/article/273327#197835.tocThis article explores how the human brain regulates thought, memory, judgment, personal identity, and other aspects of what is commonly called mind. It also regulates aspects of the body—including body temperature, blood pressure, and the activity of internal organs—to help the body respond to its environment and to maintain the body’s health.
- An introduction to neurons, brains and biological psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://catalogue. pearsoned.co.uk/assets/hip/gb/hip_gb_pearsonhighered/ samplechapter/NEW%20Wickens%20Ch1.pdfThis Biological Psychology text discusses neurons and the brain including: historical views concerning brain and behaviour, neurotransmitters and chemical communication between neurons and an introduction to the central nervous system.
- Brain. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/ high/article/16178This article discusses the brain. The brain is the mass of nerve tissue in the anterior end of an organism. The brain integrates sensory information and directs motor responses; in higher vertebrates it is also the centre of learning.
Scanning the Brain
- Rutkin, A. H. (2013). Top 12 ways scientists can study your brain. Retrieved from https://theraptorlab.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/top-13-ways-scientists-can-study-your-brain/This webpage explores 12 ways scientists study the brain from MRI to Optogenetics.
- PET Scan. (2012). Retrieved from the Health and Wellness Resource CentreA PET (positron emission tomography) scan is a procedure used to observe the brain, the heart, or tumors. You will be given an injection of a low-level radioactive material attached to a natural body chemical. The scan shows where the radioactive material went and how much of it the brain, heart, or tumors are using.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging. (2010). The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer, 3rd ed., Detroit: Gale, 2010, pp. 881-885. Retrieved from the Health and Wellness Resource CentreA magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) uses the equipment and technology of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the arterial system in the body.
- Brain scanning. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/16179Brain scanning, any of a number of diagnostic methods for detecting intracranial abnormalities. The oldest of the brain-scanning procedures still in use is a simple, relatively noninvasive procedure called isotope scanning.
The Brain - Key Terms
- cerebral cortex noun - the furrowed outer layer of gray matter in the cerebrum of the brain, associated with the higher brain functions, as voluntary movement, coordination of sensory information, learning and memory, and the expression of individuality.
- corpus callosum noun - a great band of deeply situated transverse white fibers uniting the two halves of the cerebrum in humans and other mammals.
- forebrain noun - also called prosencephalon. The anterior of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate, or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue including the diencephalon and telencephalon.
- frontal lobe noun - the anterior part of each cerebral hemisphere, in front of the central sulcus.
- hindbrain noun - the most posterior of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue, including the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata; rhombencephalon.
- midbrain noun - the middle of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue; mesencephalon.
- occipital lobe noun - the most posterior lobe of each cerebral hemisphere, behind the parietal and temporal lobes.
- parietal lobe noun - the middle part of each cerebral hemisphere behind the central sulcus.
- temporal lobe noun - the lateral lobe of each cerebral hemisphere, in front of the occipital lobe.
- quizletTest your knowledge of key terms.
Phineas Gage
- Curious case of Phineas Gage. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.twig-world.com/film/curious-case-of-phineas-gage-923/When Phineas Gage's brain was injured in a freak accident, his personality changed giving scientists a unique opportunity to study brain function.
- Phineas Gage and the science of brain localisation. (Neurological Stamp). (2001). Retrieved from the Health and Wellness Resource CentreAn injury with an improbable outcome that occurred to a to a railway foreman on 13 September 1848 had an influence on the science of localisation of brain function.