Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of psychology that explores how the brain influences cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and language.
Think of cognitive neuroscience like a computer engineer trying to understand how different parts of a computer (like the processor or hard drive) affect its overall performance. Just as an engineer might study how a computer's hardware affects its ability to run certain programs, cognitive neuroscientists study how different areas of the brain contribute to our ability to think, remember, perceive, and communicate.
Neuroplasticity: This refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It allows neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and adjust their activities in response to new situations or changes in their environment.
Cognitive Psychology: This is the scientific study of mental processes such as "attention, language use, memory, perception, problem solving, creativity and thinking." It investigates internal mental processes such as problem solving, memory formation and manipulation.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): A technique used by cognitive neuroscientists that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. In terms of studying the brain specifically it can show what parts are active when performing certain tasks.
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