To be honest if we do end up getting a 16M on this that would be plain cruel, but it can definitely be done. All the textbooks are pretty useless for this, but here is a suggested essay plan:
Discuss the emergence of cognitive neuroscience. 16.
AO1: 6 marks
Relatively new discipline that emerged in 1971, 25 years after cognitive science was established.
that looks for a biological basis to cognitive thought processes
especially with regards to how neuronal activity can be used to explain these thought processes
aims to bridge the gap between cognitive science and neuroscience
This has emerged wth technological change and new technologies (brain scanning) emerge
For example fMRI, EEG, ERP (briefly outline these)
Which has allowed brain processes and activity in response to stimuli to be examined in detail
This has allowed for research to be conducted in fields such as biopsychology (LoF studies) or memory (Tulving's LTM radioactive gold study)
AO3: 10 marks
Research to support
Gehrig et al
finds a link using brain scanning between irrational thought processes and impaired activity in the OFC in OCD patients
This suggests a neuroanatomical link between the two
Positive real world implications
Has allowed for greater understanding of the workings of the brain
This allows for more informed intervention (surgeries; drugs)
to correct dysfunction in areas of the brain that are not functioning properly in individuals with psychological disorders
Beever et al finds that in people suffering from depression, regions in the brain that are involved in emotional regulation are dysfunctional
This helps restore these patients to 'normal', allowing them to carry on with their everyday lives
Biologically reductionist
Flawed as it always looks for a neuronal basis for cognitions
Ignores the role of environmental/psychological, as well as other b'gical factors and how they also contribute to cognitive processes
Limits cognitive neuroscience's ability to explain behaviour; other approaches should also be taken in order to consider from multiple points of view
A more holistic approach is preferable
AW