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EnglandPsychology

3.7 Brain and neuropsychology

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are the main structures of the brain and what do they do?

The structure and function of the brain: the four lobes of the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum and the autonomic functions, and the role of the brainstem.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.7, covering the main structures of the brain, including the four lobes of the cerebral cortex (frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital), the cerebellum and the brainstem, and their functions.
8 min answer →

How do psychologists study which parts of the brain do which jobs?

Localisation of function and ways of studying the brain: language areas, the role of neuropsychology, Penfield's work, and scanning techniques such as CT, PET and fMRI.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.7, covering localisation of function (including language areas), the role of neuropsychology and Penfield's work, and the brain scanning techniques used to study the brain such as CT, PET and fMRI.
8 min answer →

How do neurons carry and pass on messages in the body?

Neurons and synaptic transmission: the structure of sensory, relay and motor neurons, the electrical impulse, and how neurotransmitters cross the synapse.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.7, covering neurons and synaptic transmission, including the structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurons, the electrical impulse along a neuron, and how neurotransmitters cross the synapse.
8 min answer →

How is the nervous system organised and what does each part do?

The structure and function of the nervous system: the central and peripheral nervous systems, the autonomic nervous system, and the fight or flight response.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Psychology 3.7, covering the structure and function of the nervous system, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, the autonomic nervous system, and the fight or flight response.
8 min answer →