Brain Function Essays (Examples)

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Essay
Brain Function Numerous Studies Have
Pages: 2 Words: 714

Jockers did not state anymore specifics of the study parameters, but did provide the accuracy percentage of which the basketball players' three-point shots improved (2011).
From the perspective of a research analysis, Jockers provided trivial information from the Mah studies. Perhaps to an under informed reader, however, knowing that athletes were able to make more three-point shots and sprint faster after having more sleep is enough information to be convinced of Jockers's argument. Even for the less-informed reader, there are places in the article in which the focus is distracted from the main objective. For example, Jockers explains that Dr. Czeisler is "nicknamed the sleep doctor" and he "works with [sports] teams such as the Boston Celtics" (2011). These points may further engage a reader, but are not balanced with an adequate amount of research specifics to keep the article centered on the benefits of napping.

The title of the article,…...

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References

Jockers, D. (2011, July 31). Daytime naps improve performance. Retrieved from  http://www.naturalnews.com/033179_naps_brain_function.html

Essay
Brain Function Between Pedophiles and Non-pedophiles Summarize
Pages: 4 Words: 1260

brain function between pedophiles and non-pedophiles. Summarize the evidence in support of this assertion. Propose a study that would advance our knowledge of the topic.
Pedophilia is such a horrific crime; it is difficult to rationally evaluate the objective medical evidence that can give clues as to why it occurs. However, recent scientific evidence indicates that there are specific biological components of the brain that can cause a predisposition to develop pedophilia. This is helpful in answering the mystery of why this crime, which is widely condemned in a variety of cultures, has remained such a persistent blight upon society throughout the ages.

Using MIs, scientists have noted that pedophiles and non-pedophiles exhibit the neurological signs of arousal in a different fashion. In the visual cortex of the brain, "a stronger visual analysis happens as soon as an adult heterosexual man sees a woman of the same age. The exact same…...

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References

Cantor, J. (2008). Understanding research on pedophilia. ASW Forum. Retrieved:

 http://individual.utoronto.ca/james_cantor/blog2.html 

Hajasch, F. (2012). Scientists find brain differences in pedophiles vs. non-pedophiles. DW.

Retrieved:  http://www.dw.de/scientists-find-brain-differences-in-pedophiles/a-16305968

Essay
Brain Function and God
Pages: 5 Words: 1704

Relationship of Certainty to God From Descartes Compare ith Gassedi, Pascal, and Spinoza
The French philosopher Rene Descartes was one of the most transformational figures of his time and his work is now considered one of the pillars of modern estern philosophy. Descartes was the first to eloquently describe the issues that are related to the problem of how the mind and brain function, how they are related, and the mysterious connection that exists that provides the foundation in which human consciousness can exist. Descartes was also skeptical of many of the assumption that were previously taken for granted as truth. For example, Descartes was unsure of how reliable the human senses were at providing reliable interpretations of whatever the external reality that exists happens to be.

Descartes skepticism of the senses serves as a critical component of his overall worldview and how he believed that the external environment and God were…...

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Works Cited

Mahon, J. (N.d.). Descartes vs. Spinoza on Substance and Attributes. Retrieved from Washington & Lee:  http://home.wlu.edu/~mahonj/Spinoza.Descartes.htm 

Spinoza, B. (n.d.). The Ethics.

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2013, November 18). Perre Gassendi. Retrieved from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:  http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/gassendi/ 

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2016, July 4). Baruch Spinoza. Retrieved from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:  http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/spinoza/

Essay
Brain Development and Adolescent Delinquency
Pages: 1 Words: 371

However, the most important area in terms of the connection between brain development and adolescent delinquency seems to be the prefrontal cortex, located immediately behind the forehead. In many respects, the prefrontal cortex is the "control center" of the human brain because it is substantially responsible for planning, mood modulation, organization, and working memory.
he fact that the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed in adolescence becomes critically important when the adolescent brain is simultaneously flooded by sex hormones during puberty. Especially among males, the combination of an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex with highly elevated levels of testosterone typically results in moodiness, short-temperedness, aggression, the need to exhibit social status and dominance, and rage as response to frustration, conflict, and disappointment. Naturally, there are many other factors that contribute to adolescent behavior. Whereas all teenagers experience the same types of brain development patterns and hormonal surges, not all teenagers necessarily exhibit…...

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The fact that the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed in adolescence becomes critically important when the adolescent brain is simultaneously flooded by sex hormones during puberty. Especially among males, the combination of an underdeveloped prefrontal cortex with highly elevated levels of testosterone typically results in moodiness, short-temperedness, aggression, the need to exhibit social status and dominance, and rage as response to frustration, conflict, and disappointment. Naturally, there are many other factors that contribute to adolescent behavior. Whereas all teenagers experience the same types of brain development patterns and hormonal surges, not all teenagers necessarily exhibit delinquent tendencies. Brain development and hormones are only two contributing factors.

Source Consulted

Gerrig, R.J. And Zimbardo, P.G. (2009) Psychology and Life. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Essay
Brain Structures Systems Are Affected in
Pages: 7 Words: 2651

Alternatively, degeneration of the ascending cholinergic and catechola- minergic neuronal systems may contribute, at least in part, to the occurrence of this frontal-lobe-like symptomatology associated with Parkinson's disease. (Dubois & Pillon, 1996, pp.2-8)
The development of a greater understanding, over time of the causal factors as well as the manifestations and possible interventions for cognitive function in Parkinson's disease has continued since this time. Greater functional understanding of neurotransmitters and receptors as well as brain function in general have also significantly aided in the treatment Parkinson's Disease. esearch has even led to the conclusion that standards dopamine (pharmacological) treatments while they improve some cognitive function (switching between two tasks "thought to depend on circuitry connecting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the posterior parietal cortex to the dorsal caudate nucleus) might impair others that are usually spared by PD (probabilistic reversal learning, which; "implicates orbitofrontal cortex -- ventral striatal circuitry." involvement)…...

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References

Aarsland, D. Laake, K. Larsen, J.P. & Janvin, C. (2002) Donepezil for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: a randomised controlled study. Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 72 (6), 708-712.

Cools, R. Barker, R.A. Sahakian, B.J. & Robbins, T.W. (December 2001) Enhanced or Impaired Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease as a Function of Dopaminergic Medication and Task Demands. Cerebral Cortex, 11 (12), 1136-1143.

Drapier, D. Peron, J. Leray, E. Sauleau, P. Biseul, I. Drapier, S. Le Jeune, F. Travers, D. Bourguignon, a. Haegelen, C. Millet, B. & Verin, M. (September 2008) Emotion recognition impairment and apathy after subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease have separate neural substrates. Neuropsychologia 46 (11), 2796-2801.

Dubois, B. Pillon, B. (November 1996) Cognitive deficits in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Nuerology. 244 (1), 2-8.

Essay
Brain Structures and Functions Associated With the
Pages: 4 Words: 1285

brain structures and functions associated with the motivation to engage in certain types of behavior. The specific behavior that I have selected in order to perform the analysis refers to life style habits, namely exercising. In order to better understand the mechanisms which influence motivation, I will be taking into consideration both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as genetic or the environment.
Right from the beginning, I must underline that the motivation of a person to engage in such a type of behavior is powerfully influenced by the environment in which he or she grows up and lives. It is a general known truth that the manner in which parents educate their children and the values that they teach them are fundamental for the manner in which the children will behave- even as adults. Therefore, it is safe to say that adults who grew up in families which encouraged them…...

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Bibliography:

Deckers, L., (2005). Motivation: Biological, Psychological, and Environmental, (2nd Edition). Allyn and Bacon.

Goldberg, E. Attention and motivation- The Dana guide (November 2007). The Dana guide to brain health, Retrieved March 24, 2011 from  http://www.dana.org/news/brainhealth/detail.aspx?id=10052 

Kouneiher, F., Charron, S., Koechlin, E. Motivation and cognitive control in the human prefrontal cortex, Nature neuroscience, volume 12, number 7 (July 2009). Retrieved March 25, 2011 from  http://www.cognition.ens.fr/Pdf/Kouneiher.pdf 

The brain's motivation station in Science Daily (may 4, 2006). Retrieved March 25, 2011 from  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/05/060504070834.htm

Essay
Brain Plays a Vital Role in the
Pages: 3 Words: 810

brain plays a vital role in the area of cognitive functions. Different sections of the brain are responsible for a number of different cognitive capabilities including memory, prediction, emotional response, sensory perception, and numerous others. Despite the partitioning of the brain and its means of providing cognitive capabilities, the different areas of this organ work in concert to produce some pivotal cognitive processes including decision-making and deriving action (output) based on sensory information (which is akin to input).
Many of these vital processes for cognitive functions occur in the part of the brain refereed to as the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex has several different components each of which largely contributes to the way in which humans make decisions. Additionally, parts of the cerebral cortex are also responsible for facets of one's personality and how one manifests the emotion one feels. The basic paradigm that accounts for the way that…...

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References

Kean, S. (2014). Phineas Gage, neuroscience's most famous patient. www.slate.com. Retrieved from  http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/05/phineas_gage_neuroscience_case_true_story_of_famous_frontal_lobe_patient.html 

Kihlstrom, J.F. (2010). Social neuroscience: The footprints of Phineas Gage. Social Cognition, 28, 757-782.

MacMillan, M. (1999). The Phineas Gage information page. www.uakron.edu. Retrieved from  http://www.uakron.edu/gage/ 

Wagar, B.M., & Thagard, P. (2004). Spiking phineas gage: A neurocomputational theory of Cognitive-affective integration in decision making. Psychological Review, 111(1). Retrieved from  http://cogsci.uwaterloo.ca/Articles/spiking.pdf

Essay
Brain Mechanisms in Early Language
Pages: 2 Words: 626

Thus, lessons can utilize elements learned from understand how the brain naturally learns a language to augment the student's ability to progress more efficiently in learning a second language later on in life. Lessons would produce the environment which calls on the same type of brain functions that were so crucial in language acquisition in early childhood. Thus, teaching can become an extension of pre-existing strategies the students have already used earlier on in their lives without even knowing it. This means lesson plans built on a structure that highlights the importance of language at the phonic level, as this is what the author asserts as the primary vehicle for language acquisition in young children.
Lightbrown & Spada (2006) also provide evidence which would back up Kuhl's claims in the text How Languages Are Learned. In their discussion of early language acquisition, Lightbrown & Spada (2006) explain how the child's…...

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References

Kuhl, Patricia K. (2010). Brain mechanisms in early language acquisition. Neuron, 67(5), 713-727. Doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.08.038

Lightbrown, Patsy M. & Spada, Nina. (2006). How Languages are Learned. Oxford University Press.

Essay
Function of Music
Pages: 2 Words: 651

Music
Discussion Forum: Because I have read about how certain types of music are good to listen to while studying, I am interested in the cognitive functions of music. I am also interested in the potential for music to make the brain function better, or at least differently.

esearch shows the one of the most important functions of music is improving human perception and cognition. One experiment shows that listening to music, even while doing other things, made the participants "more positive, more alert, and more focused in the present," (Sloboda, O'Neill & Ivaldi, 2001). This finding was especially true among participants who selected their own music (Sloboda, O'Neill & Ivaldi). Thompson (n.d.) notes that music plays a very important role in the psychological development of infants, "at a stage when a range of social and cognitive skills can be explored, tested, and developed," (p. 28). Specific skills that are associated with…...

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References

North, A.C., Hargreaves, D.J. & Hargreaves, J.J. (2004). Uses of music in everyday life. Music Perception 22(1): 41-77.

Sloboda, J.A., O'Neill, S.A. & Ivaldi, A. (2001). Functions of music in everyday life: An exploratory study using the Experience Sampling Method. Musicae Scientae 5(1): 9-29.

Thompson (n.d.). Chapter 2: Origins of music.

Essay
Brain Dysfunction
Pages: 8 Words: 2106

Essay Topic Examples 1. The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on Cognitive Functioning:
    Explores the physiological and psychological consequences of TBI, the challenges posed for recovery, and the long-term changes in cognitive abilities that can occur following such injuries.

2. Neurodegenerative Diseases and Their Effect on Brain Health:
    Analyzes conditions such as Alzheimer's, arkinson's, and Huntington's disease, examining how these diseases disrupt normal brain function and the resulting symptoms and progression of cognitive decline.

3. Brain Dysfunction in Mental Health Disorders:
    Investigates the role of brain dysfunction in the etiology and manifestation of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder, including a discussion on the biological markers and neurochemical imbalances involved.

4. The Role of Neuroplasticity in Brain Recovery and Rehabilitation:
    Considers the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt following injury or disease, how neuroplasticity contributes to functional recovery, and the therapeutic techniques used to enhance brain repair.

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Contributing to…...

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Primary Sources

Smith, J.A., et al. \"Cerebral amyloid angiopathy in brain trauma and cognitive decline.\" Neurology, vol. 78, no. 15, 2012, pp. 1573-1579.

Jones, M., et al. \"Mitochondrial dysfunction as a cause of axonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis patients.\" Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 111, no. 9, 2014, pp. 1752-1757.

Johnson, L.K., and P.R. Talalay. \"Chronic neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease: Role of gut-brain axis.\" The Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, vol. 13, no. 2, 2018, pp. 241-251.

Thompson, R.E., et al. \"Molecular mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury.\" Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, vol. 7, 2013, Article 30.

Hamilton, J., et al. \"Disrupted neuro-glial metabolic coupling after peripheral surgery.\" The Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 35, no. 1, 2015, pp. 146-158.

Essay
Brain Teasers for Healthy Brain
Pages: 2 Words: 653

BrainHealthDear Friend,Maintaining a healthy brain is just as important as maintaining a healthy heart. Just as you would regularly exercise to keep your heart healthy, you should also exercise your brain to keep it sharp. Research has shown that mental exercises can help to improve memory and cognitive function. In addition to stimulating your mind, you should also make sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. These basic health habits will help to keep your brain functioning at its best. So if you want to stay sharp as you age, don\\\'t forget to give your brain some love along with the rest of your body.Brain health is important at every age, but becomes more imperative as we grow older. That is because chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure together with family history and the way we live our lives have an impact on the…...

Essay
Brain States and Conscious
Pages: 2 Words: 697

Dreaming
The topic of sleep and dreaming is interesting to me because of the complex nature of the brain. It seems we know so much about human physiology, yet the brain is still mysterious. e know about neurochemicals, for instance, but do not really understand how memory is stored, accessed, or how dreaming affects our abilities during waking life. e know that a chemical upset, even minor, can make a huge difference in our state of consciousness, or our ability to perform in daily activities. Dreaming is fascinating to me because we know that the brain is a machine, and like any machine, it must be maintained (through nutrition) as well as rest and sleep. I find it personally interesting that dreams can be so vivid, unreal, frightening, pleasurable, and yet still mysterious.

Dreaming is part of sleep -- and a recurring stage in which our state of consciousness is reduced in…...

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Works Cited:

Obringer, L. (2012, October). How Dreams Work. Retrieved from How Stuff Works:  http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/dream3.htm 

Osterweil, N. (2010). The Health Benefit of Dreams. WebMD. Retrieved from:  http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/the-health-benefits-of-dreams 

Zhang, J 2004, Memory Process and the Function of Sleep, Journal of Theoretics, 6 (4): 14-21.

Essay
Brain Summary Though Not Much
Pages: 3 Words: 768


pp. 85-6

The brain can be understood in terms of its lobe-like structures, or it can be mapped out according to the regions that seem to dictate and influence certain behaviors and processes. The three major areas of the brain in this schema are the motor areas, the sensory areas, and the association areas, though in reality almost all human functions and behaviors involve interactions between these areas. Interestingly, large and imprecise movements have been found to originate in a very small space of the motor areas, whereas more precise yet much smaller movements require large brain areas. The sensory area consists of three composite areas -- the somatosensory area, the auditory area, and the visual area.

pp. 87-8

The association areas of the brain are believed to control higher-level thinking and processes that regulate behavior in a larger sense, such as turning Phineas Gage from a hardworking and responsible individual to an…...

Essay
Brain Tumors Originate From the
Pages: 4 Words: 1334

The other symptom is that a victim will experience a change in mental capability or individual's distinctive characters. Either the patient or his/her close associates can identify the symptoms independently. The final symptoms are those that helps in location of the tumor as an effect of the pressure exerted on the surrounding areas. They include a large number of symptoms but the locally noted include the weakening of different body parts, which can be on the arms or legs, poor maintenance of balance, memory weakening and in worst cases damaging, visual difficulties, communication difficulties, and a modified kind of sensing. hen it involves a stem tumor, it affects the nerve functions that leave the brain at the bottom part (Health Encyclopedia, n.p.).
Diagnosis

During diagnosis, a physician will have interest on the medical past and other examination of the patient and then armed with the information; the physician might advice on…...

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Works cited

Ali-Osman, Francis. Brain tumors. New Jersey, U.S.: Humana Press. 2005. Print.

Health Encyclopedia. Diseases and conditions: Brain tumors. Healthscout.com

1 April 2009. Web. 28 March 2010.

Schiffer, Davide. Brain tumor pathology: current diagnostic hotspots and pitfalls. New York,

Essay
Brain Mapping Though the Practice
Pages: 2 Words: 624


This showed not only the mapping of the brain that was possible -- that is, the association of certain specific areas of the brain with certain function and/or sensations from certain parts of the body -- but also that the adult brain was capable of changing in response to new stimulation. This finding was taken to new heights by Dr. amachandran, whose work with amputees and mirrors showed how profound the brain's malleability can really be (amachandran 2007). As he describes in his lecture, many amputees experienced phantom limbs (as well as other organs), and a significant number of these had phantom pain due to a "paralyzed" phantom limb. With the simple use of a mirror, Dr. amachandran's patients were able to trick their brains into thinking the reflection of their healthy limb was in fact their phantom limb, alleviating the perceived paralysis and pain, and eventually (for some) even…...

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References

Ramachandran, V. (2007). "Ramachandran on your mind." Accessed 30 July 2009.  http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/vilayanur_ramachandran_on_your_mind.html 

Schwartz, J. & Begley, S. (2002). The Mind & The Brain: Neuroplasticity and the Power of Mental Force. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.

Q/A
Stuck crafting a impactful thesis statement on brain and conciousnesss. Any pointers?
Words: 497

Crafting an Impactful Thesis Statement on Brain and Consciousness

Introduction

The intricate relationship between the brain and consciousness remains one of the most enigmatic frontiers of scientific inquiry. Understanding the mechanisms that give rise to our subjective experiences, thoughts, and emotions has tantalized philosophers, scientists, and scholars for centuries. Crafting an impactful thesis statement on this multifaceted subject requires a clear articulation of the central argument, supported by compelling evidence and logical reasoning.

Elements of a Strong Thesis Statement

An effective thesis statement for a paper on brain and consciousness should possess the following characteristics:

Clear and Concise: It should succinctly express the main....

Q/A
Need assistance developing essay topics related to Clinical Psychology. Can you offer any guidance?
Words: 532

## Delving into the Realm of Clinical Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide to Essay Topics

Introduction

Clinical psychology, a multifaceted field rooted in the practice of evidence-based techniques, offers a captivating landscape for scholarly exploration. Its vast scope, encompassing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders, presents an array of compelling essay topics. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the intricacies of clinical psychology, providing a wealth of essay topics that resonate with the field's theoretical foundations and practical applications.

Theoretical Perspectives in Clinical Psychology

1. Psychodynamic Theory: Exploring the Unconscious Roots of Psychopathology
2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Unveiling the Interplay of Thoughts, Emotions, and....

Q/A
Can you offer advice on outlining an essay discussing Addiction is a disease transcends personal choice emphasizing the need for compassionate treatment?
Words: 453

Outline for an Essay on Addiction as a Disease

Introduction

Hook: Start with a compelling statistic or anecdote that highlights the prevalence and devastating impact of addiction.
Thesis statement: Assert that addiction is a complex disease that transcends personal choice and requires compassionate treatment.

Body Paragraph 1: Biological Factors

Explain that addiction is a chronic brain disease that impairs brain function and leads to compulsive substance use.
Describe the role of genetics, neurochemistry, and environmental factors in the development of addiction.
Discuss the impact of addiction on brain pathways and the reward system.

Body Paragraph 2: Psychological Factors

Explore how psychological factors contribute....

Q/A
Could you assist me in finding essay topics pertaining to Depression?
Words: 390

Depression: Exploring Its Causes, Impact, and Management

Introduction:

Depression, a debilitating mental disorder, has far-reaching consequences on individuals and society. Its complex etiology, diverse manifestations, and challenges in management warrant careful exploration. This essay delves into a comprehensive analysis of depression, examining its causes, impact, and effective management strategies.

Part I: Understanding the Causes of Depression

1. Biological Factors:
- Genetic predisposition
- Neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine)
- Brain structural and functional abnormalities

2. Psychological Factors:
- Negative thought patterns
- Learned helplessness
- Low self-esteem

3. Environmental Factors:
- Childhood trauma or abuse
- Stressful life events
- Social isolation

Part II: Examining the....

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