GRT 2111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Positron Emission Tomography, Connectionism, Ct Scan
8 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Information processing: memory is received via sensory physiological structures; transferred from environment, sensory register holds info for 1-4 seconds, sensory info translated into brain signals called encoding, encoded info moves to short term memory. Holds 7 +/- 2 items for up to 12 seconds. Parallel distributed processing: mental representations of specific units of information are stored, connections are built between these units, units form memories, mental energy activates units and connections to create a concept. Brain imaging: computerized tomography studies variation in density. At 60 years, brain weight decreases by 2-3 grams per year and occupies. In 90s, brain occupies 80% of volume: mri detects different types of soft tissues using radio and magnetic waves. Grey and white matter decrease with age: four lobes. Observe magnetic quality of water molecules indicates processing activity in the brain. Aging affects frontal and temporal lobes the most: hippocampus. Considered the librarian of memories and thoughts. Damage of this area leads to alzheimers.
