The Sage Handbook of Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience: Neuroscientific Principles, Systems and Methods

Cognitive neuroscience is the study of how the brain processes and represents cognitive and intellectual functions, which is essential for understanding core psychological and behavioral processes. This Handbook provides an overview of the foundational principles, methods, and systems in cognitive and systems neuroscience, as well as examining cutting-edge methodological advances and innovations. It is essential reading for researchers and students in cognitive psychology and scholars in neuroscientific, behavioral, and health sciences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 632 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: SAGE Publishing

Cognitive neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that explores the intricate mechanisms by which cognitive and intellectual functions are processed and encoded within the brain. Its significance lies in its ability to shed light on fundamental psychological and behavioral processes, including learning, memory, behavior, perception, and consciousness. By understanding these processes, researchers can gain valuable insights into the intricate relationships between the brain and behavior, which can have practical applications in the clinical treatment of individuals with brain-related disabilities.

This Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource that delves into the foundational principles, methodologies, and underlying systems of cognitive and systems neuroscience. It provides a comprehensive examination of cutting-edge methodological advances and innovations in the field. Comprising 34 original and state-of-the-art contributions from renowned experts, this Handbook is an essential read for researchers and students in cognitive psychology, as well as scholars across neuroscientific, behavioral, and health sciences.

Part 1: Background Considerations

Cognitive neuroscience emerged as a distinct field in the late 20th century, driven by advancements in imaging technology and computational neuroscience. The field aims to bridge the gap between cognitive psychology and neurosciences, combining theoretical insights from psychology with empirical findings from neuroscience.

One of the key challenges in cognitive neuroscience is the identification of the specific brain regions and networks involved in cognitive processes. Researchers employ a variety of techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to map the brain's activity during different cognitive tasks. These techniques allow researchers to identify patterns of activation that correspond to specific cognitive functions, providing a deeper understanding of the neural underpinnings of cognition.

Another important aspect of cognitive neuroscience is the study of cognitive illusions and biases. These phenomena arise when our perception or interpretation of the world is influenced by factors such as attention, memory, and cognitive biases. By investigating these illusions and biases, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms that drive human decision-making and behavior.

Part 2: Neuroscientific Substrates and Principles

The brain is composed of numerous interconnected regions that collaborate to perform cognitive tasks. Cognitive neuroscience seeks to understand the neural substrates and principles that underlie these processes.

One of the key concepts in cognitive neuroscience is the concept of modularity. The brain is believed to be composed of specialized modules that are responsible for specific cognitive functions. For example, the visual system is composed of specialized modules that process visual information, while the auditory system is composed of modules that process auditory information.

Another important concept is the concept of plasticity. The brain is capable of changing its structure and function in response to environmental stimuli. This plasticity allows the brain to adapt to new situations and learn new skills.

Part 3: Neuroanatomical Brain Systems

The brain is divided into several anatomical brain systems that are responsible for different cognitive functions. These systems include the sensory systems, the motor systems, the cognitive systems, and the emotional systems.

The sensory systems include the visual, auditory, and somatosensory systems, which are responsible for processing sensory information from the external environment. The motor systems include the motor cortex and the spinal cord, which are responsible for generating and controlling motor movements. The cognitive systems include the prefrontal cortex, the parietal cortex, and the temporal cortex, which are responsible for higher-level cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and language. The emotional systems include the amygdala and the hypothalamus, which are responsible for regulating emotions and stress responses.

Part 4: Neural Dynamics and Processes

Neural dynamics and processes are critical to understanding how cognitive functions are processed and represented within the brain. Neurons, the building blocks of the brain, communicate with each other through electrical and chemical signals. These signals can be modulated by external stimuli, such as sensory information or internal thoughts and emotions.

One of the key processes in cognitive neuroscience is sensory processing. Sensory information is received by sensory neurons and transmitted to higher-level brain regions, where it is processed and integrated. This processing involves a series of stages, including sensory encoding, sensory integration, and sensory discrimination.

Another important process is memory formation. Memory is the ability to store and retrieve information over time. Memory formation involves a series of stages, including sensory encoding, storage, and retrieval.

Part 5: Sensory-Perceptual Systems and Cognition

Sensory-perceptual systems and cognition are closely intertwined in cognitive neuroscience. The sensory systems provide the input for cognitive processes, while the cognitive systems interpret and organize the sensory information.

One of the key areas of research in sensory-perceptual systems and cognition is visual perception. Visual perception involves the processing of visual information by the visual system, which includes the retina, the optic nerve, and the visual cortex. Visual perception involves a series of stages, including visual encoding, visual processing, and visual perception.

Another important area of research in sensory-perceptual systems and cognition is auditory perception. Auditory perception involves the processing of auditory information by the auditory system, which includes the cochlea, the auditory nerve, and the auditory cortex. Auditory perception involves a series of stages, including auditory encoding, auditory processing, and auditory perception.

Part 6: Methodological Advances

Cognitive neuroscience has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to advances in imaging technology, computational neuroscience, and electrophysiology. These advances have allowed researchers to study the brain's activity in greater detail and with greater precision.

One of the key methodological advances in cognitive neuroscience is the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). fMRI is a technique that measures the magnetic fields generated by the brain's active neurons. By analyzing the patterns of activation in different brain regions during different cognitive tasks, researchers can gain insights into the neural networks that underlie specific cognitive functions.

Another important methodological advance is the use of electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a technique that measures the electrical activity of the brain's neurons. By analyzing the patterns of electrical activity in different brain regions during different cognitive tasks, researchers can gain insights into the neural networks that underlie specific cognitive functions.

Conclusion

Cognitive neuroscience is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to transform our understanding of the brain and behavior. By exploring the neural substrates and principles that underlie cognitive functions, researchers can gain valuable insights into the mechanisms that drive human decision-making and behavior. This knowledge can have practical applications in the clinical treatment of individuals with brain-related disabilities, as well as in the development of new therapies and interventions.

In conclusion, cognitive neuroscience is a multidisciplinary field that plays a critical role in understanding the brain and behavior. Its significance lies in its ability to shed light on fundamental psychological and behavioral processes, which can have practical applications in the clinical treatment of individuals with brain-related disabilities. This Handbook provides a comprehensive resource that delves into the foundational principles, methodologies, and underlying systems of cognitive and systems neuroscience, as well as examining cutting-edge methodological advances and innovations. By understanding the brain's mechanisms, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of human cognition and behavior, leading to new therapies and interventions that can improve the lives of individuals with brain-related disabilities.

Weight: 1280g
Dimension: 246 x 184 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529753554