Fundamentals of Cognitive Neuroscience

by Baars; Gage

• ISBN13: 9780124158054
• ISBN10: 0124158056
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-01-18
• Publisher: Elsevier Science

Summary

This introductory text offers a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide to cognitive neuroscience. Chapters cover all aspects of the field - the neural framework, sight, sound, consciousness, learning/memory, problem solving, speech, executive control, emotions, socialization and development - in a student friendly format with extensive pedagogy and ancillaries to aid both the student and professor. Throughout the text case studies and everyday examples are used to help students understand the more challenging aspects of the material. Written by two leading experts in the field, the text takes a unique thematic approach, guiding students along a clear path to understand the latest findings whether or not they have a background in neuroscience. Complete introduction to mind-brain science, written to be highly accessible to undergraduates with limited neuroscience training Richly illustrated with carefully selected color graphics to enhance understanding Enhanced pedagogy highlights key concepts for the student and aids in teaching - chapter outlines, study questions, glossary Ancillary support saves instructors time and facilitates learning - test questions, image collection, lecture slides, etc.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
Mind and brain
An invitation	p. 3
Basic concepts	p. 5
Hot debates	p. 15
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 23
A useful framework
Brain regions and their functions	p. 26
Cognitive functions	p. 27
Using the functional diagram	p. 47
Small and large mental capacities	p. 52
Summary	p. 55
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 56
The nerve cell
Introduction	p. 60
Basic features	p. 61
How neurons combine	p. 70
Neural computing	p. 78
The brain code: maps + waves	p. 80
Learning and adaptation	p. 84
Summary	p. 86
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 86
The brain
Introduction	p. 90
The cortex	p. 93
Below the cortex	p. 100
Summary	p. 106
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 106
Brain imaging
Introduction	p. 110
Electrical and magnetic fields	p. 117
Functional neuroimaging: a bold new world	p. 126
Correlation and causation	p. 134
Summary	p. 139
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 140
The art of seeing
Introduction	p. 142
Functional organization of the visual system	p. 146
Theories of visual consciousness: where does it happen?	p. 160
Brain areas necessary for visual awareness: lesion studies	p. 160
Now you see it, now you don't!	p. 165
Summary	p. 171
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 172
Sound, speech, and music perception
Introduction	p. 177
The central auditory system	p. 184
Functional mapping of auditory processing	p. 189
Speech perception	p. 196
Music perception	p. 202
Learning and plasticity	p. 205
Auditory awareness and imagery	p. 206
Summary	p. 208
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 208
The brain is conscious
Introduction	p. 212
Waking: purposeful thoughts and actions	p. 214
Attention	p. 229
Executive control	p. 239
Dreaming	p. 241
Deep sleep: ups and downs	p. 245
Exceptional states of mind	p. 246
Summary	p. 250
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 251
Learning and memory
Introduction	p. 254
Episodic learning	p. 258
Making memories last	p. 265
When memories are lost	p. 272
A debate: is consciousness needed for episodic learning?	p. 278
Does semantic memory come from episodic traces?	p. 282
Control of memory	p. 284
Summary	p. 286
Drawing exercises	p. 287
Thinking
Introduction	p. 290
Explicit thinking	p. 296
Mental effort	p. 305
Concepts	p. 308
Implicit thinking	p. 311
Summary	p. 312
Study questions	p. 312
Language
Introduction	p. 315
The nature of language	p. 316
Speaking	p. 320
Words and meanings	p. 321
Syntax and sequencing	p. 322
Speech and melody	p. 323
Meaning	p. 325
Thoughts before language	p. 325
Summary	p. 326
Study questions and drawing Exercises	p. 327
Decisions, goals, and actions
Introduction	p. 330
Structure of the frontal lobes	p. 334
A closer look at frontal lobe functions	p. 338
Neuroimaging the executive brain	p. 342
Damage to the executive brain	p. 350
A current view of organizing principles of the frontal lobes	p. 354
Toward a unified theory of frontal lobe function	p. 354
Study questions and drawing exercises	p. 355
Social cognition
Overview	p. 358
An organizing framework for social cognition	p. 360
Social cognition in the brain	p. 363
Emotion and the social brain	p. 374
Chapter review	p. 381
Study questions	p. 382
Growing up
Introduction	p. 384
Prenatal development: from blastocyst to baby	p. 387
The developing brain: a lifetime of change	p. 394
Developing mind and brain	p. 399
Early brain damage and developmental plasticity	p. 413
Summary	p. 416
Study questions	p. 416
Glossary	p. 419
References	p. 435
Index	p. 453
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