, PYC4813 EXAM PORTFOLIO (ASSIGNMENT 3)
DUE DATE: 29 OCTOBER 2026
Introduction
Cognitive neuroscience examines the relationship between brain activity and human
behaviour. It brings together knowledge from psychology, neuroscience and biology to
understand cognitive processes such as memory, attention, emotion, learning and decision-
making. Advances in brain imaging have made it possible to investigate these processes by
examining both the structure and functioning of the brain. Neuroimaging methods such as
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) provide
different forms of information about the brain. MRI can provide detailed information about
brain structure, while PET can provide information about metabolic and molecular activity.
The two methods can therefore provide complementary information when investigating
neurological and psychological conditions (Catana et al., 2012).
Memory is another important area within cognitive neuroscience. The ability to learn, store
and retrieve information depends on interactions between several brain structures and
physiological processes. Research involving the hippocampus and medial temporal lobe
has played an important role in understanding how human memory is organised (Squire &
Wixted, 2011). Cognitive neuroscience also provides an understanding of social behaviour
and reward. Brain structures such as the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus interact
with chemical systems involving dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These systems can
influence motivation, social interaction and the experience of reward. Understanding these
relationships provides a broader view of how biological processes contribute to human
behaviour.
Question 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are both used
to study the brain, but they provide different types of information. MRI uses magnetic fields
and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. It is particularly useful for
DUE DATE: 29 OCTOBER 2026
Introduction
Cognitive neuroscience examines the relationship between brain activity and human
behaviour. It brings together knowledge from psychology, neuroscience and biology to
understand cognitive processes such as memory, attention, emotion, learning and decision-
making. Advances in brain imaging have made it possible to investigate these processes by
examining both the structure and functioning of the brain. Neuroimaging methods such as
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) provide
different forms of information about the brain. MRI can provide detailed information about
brain structure, while PET can provide information about metabolic and molecular activity.
The two methods can therefore provide complementary information when investigating
neurological and psychological conditions (Catana et al., 2012).
Memory is another important area within cognitive neuroscience. The ability to learn, store
and retrieve information depends on interactions between several brain structures and
physiological processes. Research involving the hippocampus and medial temporal lobe
has played an important role in understanding how human memory is organised (Squire &
Wixted, 2011). Cognitive neuroscience also provides an understanding of social behaviour
and reward. Brain structures such as the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus interact
with chemical systems involving dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. These systems can
influence motivation, social interaction and the experience of reward. Understanding these
relationships provides a broader view of how biological processes contribute to human
behaviour.
Question 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are both used
to study the brain, but they provide different types of information. MRI uses magnetic fields
and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. It is particularly useful for
