PYC4813 Assignment 3 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 24 October 2025

Mr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. Question 1: Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations (10 marks) 1.1 Define the term cognitive neuroscience and explain how it applies to the assessment of Mr Mazibuko. 1.2 Discuss why a biopsychosocial approach is useful when working with a case like Mr Mazibuko’s. Question 2: Brain Structures and Functions (15 marks) 2.1 Identify four major brain regions mentioned in Mr Mazibuko’s case. 2.2 Explain the cognitive and behavioural functions of each region. 2.3 Link each region to the symptoms he is showing. Question 3: Neuroimaging Interpretation (10 marks) 3.1 Discuss the value of neuroimaging in psychiatric diagnosis. 3.2 Based on the findings of Mr Mazibuko’s scan, explain what the following terms mean and what they suggest about his brain function: a) Low grey matter volume b) Distended ventricles c) White matter reduction d) Prefrontal cortex dysfunction Question 4: Memory and Attention Systems (10 marks) 4.1 Discuss how the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex contribute to memory. 4.2 Use Mr Mazibuko’s case to show how damage in these areas affects short-term memory, attention, and recall. Question 5: Executive Function and Planning (10 marks) 5.1 Define executive functioning. 5.2 Describe three ways in which Mr Mazibuko’s daily life has been affected by poor executive functioning. 5.3 Identify the brain structure most responsible for these difficulties. Question 6: Neuropsychological Testing (15 marks) 6.1 Choose any three of the tests Mr Mazibuko completed and explain what each one measures. 6.2 Discuss how the test results help explain his challenges with decision-making, problem-solving, and social functioning. Question 7: Genetic, Developmental and Environmental Risk Factors (10 marks) 7.1 Identify and explain any three early life or biological factors that may have increased Mr Mazibuko’s risk of developing a neurocognitive disorder. 7.2 Link your answers to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis. Question 8: Cognitive Domains and Behaviour (10 marks) Using Mr Mazibuko’s symptoms, explain how his functioning is impaired in the following five cognitive domains: Working memory Inhibition control Visual processing Language and conversation flow Social cognition Mr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. Question 9: Ethical and Clinical Considerations (5 marks) 9.1 Identify and explain two ethical responsibilities of the clinical team when working with a client showing psychotic symptoms. 9.2 Why is it important to avoid misdiagnosis in cases with complex histories like Mr Mazibuko’s? Question 10: Reflective Integration (5 marks) Reflect on what this case taught you about the brain-behaviour relationship. How has this case deepened your understanding of the value of neuroscience in real-world mental health care? Question 1: Biological Basis of Behaviour (10 marks) Discuss the role of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in cognition and behaviour. Explain how dysfunction in these areas may lead to the symptoms seen in Mr Mazibuko’s case. Refer to cognitive neuroscience theory. (Kalat, 2023; Ward, 2020) Question 2: Neural Connectivity and Brain Plasticity (10 marks) Define neural connectivity and explain how reduced white matter and enlarged ventricles affect connectivity in the brain. How could this help explain Mr Mazibuko’s behavioural and emotional challenges? Question 3: Neuropsychological Testing (10 marks) Choose three of the following tests used in Mr Mazibuko’s assessment. For each test: a) State what the test measures b) Link the findings to one of Mr Mazibuko’s reported symptoms WAIS-IV (SA) Tower of London Trail Making Test RCFT Bender-II Question 4: Cognitive Deficits and Brain Structures (10 marks) Match four of the following cognitive domains to their related brain structures and Mr Mazibuko’s symptoms: Attention Executive function Memory Cognitive flexibility Processing speed Use short paragraphs to justify each match. Question 5: Neurodevelopmental Disruption (10 marks) Use the neurodevelopmental hypothesis to explain how prenatal complications, low birth weight, and season of birth could have influenced Mr Mazibuko’s later cognitive and behavioural problems. Use academic sources to support your answer. (Ward, 2020; Kalat, 2023) Mr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. Question 6: Genetics and Risk (10 marks) Mr Mazibuko’s paternal uncle was once hospitalised for paranoid delusions. Explain the role of genetic vulnerability in schizophrenia. Discuss how heritability and gene-environment interaction might help explain the pattern seen in this family. (LeDoux, 2002) SECTION B: CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND REFLECTION (40 MARKS) Question 7: Ethics in Cognitive Neuroscience (10 marks) Mr Mazibuko was referred for multiple brain scans and psychological tests. Discuss two ethical concerns related to neuroimaging and cognitive testing in vulnerable adults with suspected mental disorders. Provide real-life considerations based on HPCSA ethics and neuroscience practice. Question 8: Theories of Mind and Reality Testing (10 marks) Apply cognitive neuroscience theories of perception and consciousness to explain why Mr Mazibuko believes he is in contact with world leaders and a celebrity. Use theory to explain how disruption in perception, attention and memory may affect his sense of reality. (Clark, 2008) In a paragraph format, reflect on your personal and academic journey through the Cognitive Neuroscience module for this academic year (2025). In your response consider the following: [10 marks] • How your understanding of brain-behaviour relationships has evolved, highlight key concepts or moments that inspired you? • What concept or topic shifted your understanding most significantly? • What challenges did you face in grasping neurocognitive mechanisms, and how did you overcome them? Question 9: Cognitive Neuroscience in the South African Context (10 marks) Critically discuss two challenges of applying Western-based cognitive neuroscience tests and models (like the WAIS-IV or Trail Making Test) in South Africa. Consider culture, language, access, and education in your discussion. Question 10: Personal Reflection (10 marks) Reflect on how this module changed your understanding of brain-behaviour relationships. Include: One key concept that shaped your thinking One challenge you overcame during the module How this knowledge might help you in your future work Use APA-style referencing and write in your own words. 1.1 Name and briefly describe the main functions of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and white matter tracts. 1.2 Explain how impairments in these brain areas may contribute to Mr Mazibuko’s disorganised thoughts, memory loss, and poor judgement. Question 2: Cognitive Domains and Behaviour (10 marks) Using evidence from Mr Mazibuko’s test results and behaviours, identify and explain five cognitive domains that are affected in his case. Relate each domain to a specific behaviour or symptom shown in the case. Question 3: Memory Systems (10 marks) 3.1 Define the difference between short-term memory, working memory, and long-term memory. 3.2 Identify which type(s) of memory Mr Mazibuko appears to struggle with and explain how these impairments might impact his everyday functioning. Question 4: Neuroimaging and Diagnosis (10 marks) 4.1 Discuss how structural neuroimaging (e.g., MRI or CT scans) contributed to understanding Mr Mazibuko’s condition. 4.2 Explain the value and limitations of relying solely on neuroimaging for diagnosing disorders like schizophrenia. Question 5: Neuroplasticity and Recovery (10 marks) Briefly describe the concept of neuroplasticity. Then, discuss whether and how neuroplasticity might be useful in designing therapeutic interventions for Mr Mazibuko Provide the neuroanatomical aspects which underpins Mr Mazibuko’s presentation from the case study, if any, and briefly justify in what way they help explain his presentation.. SECTION B: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, MODELS, AND APPLICATIONS (50 marks) Question 6: Cognitive Models of Psychosis (15 marks) 6.1 Describe the cognitive model of schizophrenia. 6.2 Apply this model to explain Mr Mazibuko’s experiences of delusions and hallucinations. 6.3 Discuss how distorted attention and faulty interpretation of experiences might reinforce his beliefs. Question 7: Ethics and Neuropsychological Testing (10 marks) 7.1 List three ethical principles that must be considered when assessing someone like Mr Mazibuko using neuropsychological tests. 7.2 Provide the symptoms from the case study which support Mr Mazibuko’s deficits in the following neuropsychological domains: [10 Marks] i. Attention, concentration and processing speed ii. Working memory iii. Executive functioning iv. Visual and verbal memory v. Social cognition Question 8: Critical Reflection (25 marks) Write a short academic reflection essay (about 350–400 words) on how this case study helped you better understand the relationship between brain structure and human behaviour Indicate which neurodevelopmental factors might have predisposed Mr Mazibuko to the disorder he is suffering from. Justify your responses.. Include the following: What topic(s) from the Cognitive Neuroscience module helped you interpret this case? How has this knowledge changed the way you view mental illness? Mr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr State and name the disorder Provide seven possible differential diagnoses and justify your choices by indicating why each diagnosis is not appropriate to Mr Mazibuko’s case Mr Mazibuko is likely suffering from. List the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for the disorder and, in a paragraph format, explain how he meets the diagnostic criteria based on information from the case study only. Please note you must explain how Mr Mazibuko meets the diagnostic criteria – presenting the diagnostic criteria without linking it to his presentation, Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. In what ways can cognitive neuroscience improve psychological treatment? ASSIGNMENT 03 (PORTFOLIO) MODULE CODE: PYC4813 MODULE NAME: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE ASSIGNMENT UNIQUE NUMBER: 851527 DUE DATE: 24 OCTOBER 2025 Instructions: • Font: size 12 • Font type: Times New Roman • Spacing: 1.5 • DO NOT use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to answer the questions, as this constitutes academic dishonesty and you will be referred for disciplinary hearing • NB! There should be evidence that you consulted multiple sources for this assignment and there should not be over-reliance on one source, failure to do so you will be penalised • Please ensure that all your work is properly referenced and DO NOT use other people's words as if they are yours. Please follow the APA 7th edition referencing guidelines. • Your paragraphs should not be aligned on the right, and the first line of each paragraph must be indented on the left at 0.5 cm. Failure to do this, you will be penalized. • Do not use/avoid unreliable sources such as Wikipedia • Ensure that you do not cut and paste, instead use your own words or paraphrase and do not substitute words with synonyms as this is still considered plagiarism. • Your assignment should be submitted in PDF format • Please name your file in the following format i.e., PYC4813 Assignment 3_Name & Surname_ Student numberMr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. Question 1: Cognitive Neuroscience Foundations (10 marks) 1.1 Define the term cognitive neuroscience and explain how it applies to the assessment of Mr Mazibuko. 1.2 Discuss why a biopsychosocial approach is useful when working with a case like Mr Mazibuko’s. Question 2: Brain Structures and Functions (15 marks) 2.1 Identify four major brain regions mentioned in Mr Mazibuko’s case. 2.2 Explain the cognitive and behavioural functions of each region. 2.3 Link each region to the symptoms he is showing. Question 3: Neuroimaging Interpretation (10 marks) 3.1 Discuss the value of neuroimaging in psychiatric diagnosis. 3.2 Based on the findings of Mr Mazibuko’s scan, explain what the following terms mean and what they suggest about his brain function: a) Low grey matter volume b) Distended ventricles c) White matter reduction d) Prefrontal cortex dysfunction Question 4: Memory and Attention Systems (10 marks) 4.1 Discuss how the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex contribute to memory. 4.2 Use Mr Mazibuko’s case to show how damage in these areas affects short-term memory, attention, and recall. Question 5: Executive Function and Planning (10 marks) 5.1 Define executive functioning. 5.2 Describe three ways in which Mr Mazibuko’s daily life has been affected by poor executive functioning. 5.3 Identify the brain structure most responsible for these difficulties. Question 6: Neuropsychological Testing (15 marks) 6.1 Choose any three of the tests Mr Mazibuko completed and explain what each one measures. 6.2 Discuss how the test results help explain his challenges with decision-making, problem-solving, and social functioning. Question 7: Genetic, Developmental and Environmental Risk Factors (10 marks) 7.1 Identify and explain any three early life or biological factors that may have increased Mr Mazibuko’s risk of developing a neurocognitive disorder. 7.2 Link your answers to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis. Question 8: Cognitive Domains and Behaviour (10 marks) Using Mr Mazibuko’s symptoms, explain how his functioning is impaired in the following five cognitive domains: Working memory Inhibition control Visual processing Language and conversation flow Social cognition Mr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. Question 9: Ethical and Clinical Considerations (5 marks) 9.1 Identify and explain two ethical responsibilities of the clinical team when working with a client showing psychotic symptoms. 9.2 Why is it important to avoid misdiagnosis in cases with complex histories like Mr Mazibuko’s? Question 10: Reflective Integration (5 marks) Reflect on what this case taught you about the brain-behaviour relationship. How has this case deepened your understanding of the value of neuroscience in real-world mental health care? Question 1: Biological Basis of Behaviour (10 marks) Discuss the role of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in cognition and behaviour. Explain how dysfunction in these areas may lead to the symptoms seen in Mr Mazibuko’s case. Refer to cognitive neuroscience theory. (Kalat, 2023; Ward, 2020) Question 2: Neural Connectivity and Brain Plasticity (10 marks) Define neural connectivity and explain how reduced white matter and enlarged ventricles affect connectivity in the brain. How could this help explain Mr Mazibuko’s behavioural and emotional challenges? Question 3: Neuropsychological Testing (10 marks) Choose three of the following tests used in Mr Mazibuko’s assessment. For each test: a) State what the test measures b) Link the findings to one of Mr Mazibuko’s reported symptoms WAIS-IV (SA) Tower of London Trail Making Test RCFT Bender-II Question 4: Cognitive Deficits and Brain Structures (10 marks) Match four of the following cognitive domains to their related brain structures and Mr Mazibuko’s symptoms: Attention Executive function Memory Cognitive flexibility Processing speed Use short paragraphs to justify each match. Question 5: Neurodevelopmental Disruption (10 marks) Use the neurodevelopmental hypothesis to explain how prenatal complications, low birth weight, and season of birth could have influenced Mr Mazibuko’s later cognitive and behavioural problems. Use academic sources to support your answer. (Ward, 2020; Kalat, 2023) Mr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. Question 6: Genetics and Risk (10 marks) Mr Mazibuko’s paternal uncle was once hospitalised for paranoid delusions. Explain the role of genetic vulnerability in schizophrenia. Discuss how heritability and gene-environment interaction might help explain the pattern seen in this family. (LeDoux, 2002) SECTION B: CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND REFLECTION (40 MARKS) Question 7: Ethics in Cognitive Neuroscience (10 marks) Mr Mazibuko was referred for multiple brain scans and psychological tests. Discuss two ethical concerns related to neuroimaging and cognitive testing in vulnerable adults with suspected mental disorders. Provide real-life considerations based on HPCSA ethics and neuroscience practice. Question 8: Theories of Mind and Reality Testing (10 marks) Apply cognitive neuroscience theories of perception and consciousness to explain why Mr Mazibuko believes he is in contact with world leaders and a celebrity. Use theory to explain how disruption in perception, attention and memory may affect his sense of reality. (Clark, 2008) In a paragraph format, reflect on your personal and academic journey through the Cognitive Neuroscience module for this academic year (2025). In your response consider the following: [10 marks] • How your understanding of brain-behaviour relationships has evolved, highlight key concepts or moments that inspired you? • What concept or topic shifted your understanding most significantly? • What challenges did you face in grasping neurocognitive mechanisms, and how did you overcome them? Question 9: Cognitive Neuroscience in the South African Context (10 marks) Critically discuss two challenges of applying Western-based cognitive neuroscience tests and models (like the WAIS-IV or Trail Making Test) in South Africa. Consider culture, language, access, and education in your discussion. Question 10: Personal Reflection (10 marks) Reflect on how this module changed your understanding of brain-behaviour relationships. Include: One key concept that shaped your thinking One challenge you overcame during the module How this knowledge might help you in your future work Use APA-style referencing and write in your own words. 1.1 Name and briefly describe the main functions of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and white matter tracts. 1.2 Explain how impairments in these brain areas may contribute to Mr Mazibuko’s disorganised thoughts, memory loss, and poor judgement. Question 2: Cognitive Domains and Behaviour (10 marks) Using evidence from Mr Mazibuko’s test results and behaviours, identify and explain five cognitive domains that are affected in his case. Relate each domain to a specific behaviour or symptom shown in the case. Question 3: Memory Systems (10 marks) 3.1 Define the difference between short-term memory, working memory, and long-term memory. 3.2 Identify which type(s) of memory Mr Mazibuko appears to struggle with and explain how these impairments might impact his everyday functioning. Question 4: Neuroimaging and Diagnosis (10 marks) 4.1 Discuss how structural neuroimaging (e.g., MRI or CT scans) contributed to understanding Mr Mazibuko’s condition. 4.2 Explain the value and limitations of relying solely on neuroimaging for diagnosing disorders like schizophrenia. Question 5: Neuroplasticity and Recovery (10 marks) Briefly describe the concept of neuroplasticity. Then, discuss whether and how neuroplasticity might be useful in designing therapeutic interventions for Mr Mazibuko Provide the neuroanatomical aspects which underpins Mr Mazibuko’s presentation from the case study, if any, and briefly justify in what way they help explain his presentation.. SECTION B: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, MODELS, AND APPLICATIONS (50 marks) Question 6: Cognitive Models of Psychosis (15 marks) 6.1 Describe the cognitive model of schizophrenia. 6.2 Apply this model to explain Mr Mazibuko’s experiences of delusions and hallucinations. 6.3 Discuss how distorted attention and faulty interpretation of experiences might reinforce his beliefs. Question 7: Ethics and Neuropsychological Testing (10 marks) 7.1 List three ethical principles that must be considered when assessing someone like Mr Mazibuko using neuropsychological tests. 7.2 Provide the symptoms from the case study which support Mr Mazibuko’s deficits in the following neuropsychological domains: [10 Marks] i. Attention, concentration and processing speed ii. Working memory iii. Executive functioning iv. Visual and verbal memory v. Social cognition Question 8: Critical Reflection (25 marks) Write a short academic reflection essay (about 350–400 words) on how this case study helped you better understand the relationship between brain structure and human behaviour Indicate which neurodevelopmental factors might have predisposed Mr Mazibuko to the disorder he is suffering from. Justify your responses.. Include the following: What topic(s) from the Cognitive Neuroscience module helped you interpret this case? How has this knowledge changed the way you view mental illness? Mr Mazibuko is a 25-year-old male who was brought to the local hospital by his aunt as both his parents are deceased. The aunt reported that for the past year, he told her that he believes people were out to get him, even though he has no enemies that she knows of. Reportedly, he says that he also occasionally hears the voice of God. When she enquired, he told his aunt that the voice told him that he is special. Mr Mazibuko also believes that he has a special channel of communicating with world leaders and he would use this channel to have conversations with them regarding how to bring about world peace. Additionally, he believes that he is in love with a local celebrity even though the celebrity does not know him. He states that he would do anything to protect the celebrity if anyone dared to say something bad about her. Sometimes, he says that he feels like his brain is rotting. Since he started having these beliefs, Mr Mazibuko’s personal hygiene has deteriorated significantly, and he has started withdrawing. He lost his job and has found interacting with people difficult. During the intake session, the aunt reported that at some point in his teenage years he briefly used cocaine, but he quickly stopped without having to go to rehab and he no longer took any substances. He has no history of brain damage, hearing, visual or nutritional deficits. However, his uncle on his paternal side is reported to have been admitted in hospital once as he had a strong belief that when he was watching television the people on television were talking about him. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born prematurely at 7 months and, as a result, his birth weight was low. The aunt added that Mr Mazibuko was born in winter, and his mother was sickly during the pregnancy, as well as experiencing significant complications during his delivery. Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuroimaging and the report indicated that he had low grey matter volume in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex, as well as his white matter volume being reduced, and his ventricles were distended. However, among all these abnormalities, of significant concern was the dysfunction of his prefrontal cortex. Following his reported concerns, Mr Mazibuko was also referred for neuropsychological assessment. He was administered the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition -South African Version (WAIS-IVSA), the Tower of London, the Comprehensive Trail Making Test, the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Bender Visuo-Motor Gestalt Test Second Edition (Bender-II). The results revealed the following: difficulty sustaining focus, slowed mental tracking and shifting, reaction time and task completion, difficulty holding and manipulating information temporarily and poor reasoning, planning and conversational flow. Mr State and name the disorder Provide seven possible differential diagnoses and justify your choices by indicating why each diagnosis is not appropriate to Mr Mazibuko’s case Mr Mazibuko is likely suffering from. List the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for the disorder and, in a paragraph format, explain how he meets the diagnostic criteria based on information from the case study only. Please note you must explain how Mr Mazibuko meets the diagnostic criteria – presenting the diagnostic criteria without linking it to his presentation, Mazibuko also struggled with cognitive flexibility, decision-making and problem-solving. Additionally, he displayed impairment in initiating tasks, shifting strategies and inhibiting inappropriate responses. He further struggled with encoding, storing, and retrieving verbal, visual information and learned material. In what ways can cognitive neuroscience improve psychological treatment?