GCSE Psychology: Neuropsychology Revision Guide

Edexcel GCSE Psychology Year 10 Revision Brain Structure & Function

WALT: We Are Learning To

Identify key brain structures and their functions Explain neuroplasticity and brain development Analyse famous neuropsychological case studies Apply knowledge to exam-style questions Success Criteria: Can label brain regions, explain at least 3 case studies, answer exam questions confidently

The Central Nervous System

Brain: Control center of the nervous system Spinal Cord: Pathway for messages Peripheral Nervous System: Nerves throughout body Autonomic vs Somatic nervous systems Differentiation: Use visual aids for dyslexic learners

Brain Structure Overview

Frontal Lobe Functions

Executive functions: planning, decision-making Personality and behavior control Motor cortex: voluntary movement Broca's area: speech production Working memory and attention

Temporal vs Parietal Lobes

{"left":"Temporal Lobe: Hearing and auditory processing\nContains hippocampus for memory\nWernicke's area for language comprehension","right":"Parietal Lobe: Touch and spatial awareness\nIntegrates sensory information\nBody awareness and coordination"}

Brain Mapping Activity

Work in pairs to label a blank brain diagram Match functions to correct brain regions Extension: Create your own memory palace Differentiation: Provide word bank for support

Case Study: Phineas Gage (1848)

Railway worker, tamping iron through skull Damage to frontal lobe Personality change: responsible → impulsive Shows frontal lobe controls personality First evidence of brain-behavior connection

Key Quote

'The balance between his intellectual faculties and animal propensities seems to have been destroyed' - Dr. Harlow describing Phineas Gage

Case Study: HM (Henry Molaison)

Severe epilepsy, brain surgery in 1953 Hippocampus removed from both brain hemispheres Lost ability to form new memories Procedural memory remained intact Shows hippocampus crucial for memory formation

Think-Pair-Share

Question: If you damaged your hippocampus, what everyday activities would be affected? Think individually for 2 minutes Discuss with partner for 3 minutes Share ideas with the class

Neuroplasticity

Brain's ability to reorganize and adapt Forms new neural connections throughout life Stronger in children but continues in adults Examples: London taxi drivers, musicians Recovery after brain injury