This paper highlights the advances in imaging technology that have allowed scientists to discover how memory works and the areas of the brain involved.
Abstract This paper looks at how the different advances in brain imaging-techniques have contributed to scientists increased ability to understand the concept of memory. It looks at the advent of Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and what they have meant to the increased ability to understand and treat brain, and memory disorders.
From the Paper "For example, fMRI was found useful for research by Awh and colleagues (1999) to observe brain activations during the performance of a spatial working memory task. In this investigation, subjects were given a spatial working memory task and a control task. Using fMRI the researchers found a functionally distinct, region that showed sustained activity during the spatial working memory task, confirming the location for the neural bases for that function. In the past, researchers who wanted detailed studies of human brain activity struggled because they lacked effective investigative tools. In experiments with humans the best technologies brought only limited success in mapping the processes of consciousness."
Abstract This paper examines how, with each passing decade, the educational system discovers more elements with which to improve the way students are being educated, from inclusion to theories of multiple intelligence. It looks at how, with all of the changes and all of the theories, the bottom line remains that learning has to do with the way the brain processes information. It discusses that how the brainworks has an important role, not only in the understanding of special education, but in learning in general, and how it is a vital part of education that is not studied outside of the special education field very often. It proposes a research project to determine the best way to educate students, based on appealing to both of the brain hemispheres. It focuses on elementary school students and their learning styles by appealing to each hemisphere to provide all students with the benefits of the lessons.
Outline
Statement of Problem
Literature Review
Terms and Definitions
Participants
Instrument to be Used
Method of Data Collection
Analysis of Data
Problems with Proposed Study
Importance of Study
From the Paper "At this point in the history of education most parents, students and educators are aware that students have different styles of learning. The nation has been through the seven different intelligence theories, the phonetics versus whole language formats and many other styles of trying to reach and teach the students. Students in elementary schools often find themselves the target of change as different theories and ideas are implemented. While all of the changes and experiments have enlightened the system even further to what works and what doesn?t the end result is that students only absorb and process what their brain allows them too. The brain hemispheres are divided into two distinct halves. It has been long known that each side handles different aspects of absorption, processing and retention of information.
Each side of the brain handles certain functions. That is a fact that has been apparent for many years, however, the current focus needs to move to how to harness that knowledge to improve the education of elementary students."
Tags: special, inclusion, intelligence, children, phonetics, language
Applies research into understanding changes in the chemistry and neurological pathways of the brain during motor and cognitive processes to the field of education.
Abstract This paper reviews literature that indicates that, particularly during the past five years, scientists have gained new insights into how the human brainworks and what specific changes take place in the brain because of various motor and cognitive processes. The paper reports that these discoveries hold enormous promise for helping educators formulate improved methods of delivering educational services. The paper clarifies, however, that much research is needed still because the human brain is so enormously complex and every individual is unique. Despite these constraints, the writer believes that a fundamental paradigm shift in education will take place because truly individual educational approaches will be based on how different people learn at the molecular level.
Table of Contents:
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "These cost-effective techniques in educational services delivery have assumed new importance and relevance in recent years as American schools continue to struggle to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Therefore, identifying how young people learn by mapping the corresponding regions of the brain may provide better ways of teaching the approximately 80 percent of students who are not linear learners."
A paper which studies the effects of the Superfund Neurotoxin Methylazoxymethanol (MAM) on brain dendritic spine density in long hooded Evans Rats Rattus norvegicus.
Abstract The paper shows that in the study of structural development in the brain there have been several proposed biomarkers for quantifying brain plasticity. These include but are not limited to cortical thickness, dendritic length and branching, expression of neuronal proteins, and the presence of DNA adducts. The paper discusses the theory that a measure of brain plasticity emerging late in embryonic development will be a very sensitive biomarker for detecting subtle damage suffered by brain cells during earlier stages of brain development not detectable by other means. The paper shows that to test this, the effects of a neurotoxin on the late developing dendritic spines were studied. A significant decrease in spine density was observed as the neurotoxin, methylazoxymethanol, increased. The author of the paper shows how the implications are widespread in the study of neuro-degenerative disease.
From the Paper "Fifty years ago, Donald Hebb demonstrated that the conditions under which laboratory rats were housed could significantly affect their performance in a variety of complex spatial tasks later in life (1). The complex environment rearing paradigm has been valuable in assessing plasticity of a variety of brain components including cerebral cortical microvasculature, astrocyetic morphology, dentritic branching patterns, synaptic number, and synaptic structure are all affected by complex environment rearing (2). It has been suggested that multiple synaptic contacts (spines) may play a role in the spread of the additive effect of learning known as potentiation, among neighboring unstimulated neurons. A lack of these spines and their connection with boutons of neighboring neurons could then result in a decrease in the capacity for learning. Some recent work has indicated that the presence of multiple synaptic contacts may be altered by experience. Most of this research has focused on structural changes in the hippocampus. Dendrtic spines show great variability in structure and connectivity, both within and across brain structures, including 10-fold differences in length and diameter as well as variations in the number of branches and spines per dendrite."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of using brain-based education research for teaching adult learners. It examines findings from brain-based research, information regarding the adult learner, and the use of brain-based education for adult learners.
From the Paper "This research paper presents the importance of using brain-based education research for the teaching of the adult learner. Findings from brain-based research information regarding the adult learner and the ..."
Tags:brain-based research adult learners, education
Abstract In this article the writer discusses the function of the brain within people with autism. The writer firstly defines the neurological disorder of autism that affects each individual in a different way. It should be noted, however, that autism negatively affects normal brain function. The writer notes that many individuals with autism have been considered remarkably intelligent, despite their difficulties relating to the rest of the social order. Further, the writer points out that due to these variances in the manner that autism is present in the affected individual, the issue of brain development comes into question.
From the Paper "Children with autism may not begin to show signs of the developmental disorder until they have passed infancy. A neurological disorder, autism cannot be defined by standard criteria that are universal to all patients because the disorder affects each individual differently. It should be noted, however, that autism negatively affects normal brain function. As the disorder progresses it will inhibit the individual's ability with social interaction and communication."
Abstract This paper looks at the process of metabolism and how it is changed during starvation to keep the brain supplied, first with glucose, and when that is exhausted, with acetyl-CoA. It then looks at the effects of starvation on the brain and how these problems can be corrected.
Abstract This paper looks at the development of the brain from the moment of conception to one year of age. It looks at the development of gender, gender differences in the brain, cognition, and how cognitive function changes through adulthood into old age.
From the Paper There is a four-year period of potential growth lasting from conception until around the third birthday, which is the most critical period for human development. Maria Montessori called this La mente del bambino or the time of the absorbent mind. The brain is composed basically of two types of cells; the neurons which are the nerve cells and the glial cells which are the supportive cells. Information is integrated in the cell bodies of the neurons and travels as an electrochemical impulse along the axon where the..."
Abstract This paper discusses how the brain learns from a physiological standpoint and what the current state of research is. It explores issues cited such as the knowledge of brain physiology and the developmental changes that enable learning. The author of the paper claims that cited literature gives a perspective that learning is intangible and is only evidenced by changes in physiology. The paper considers how the physiological changes happen and how they relate to intangibles related to learning.
Abstract The paper relates that there are many studies into the long-term effects of heavy alcohol use and notes that it may lead to shrinkage of brain material. This in turn may lead to short-term memory deficits. The paper also relates that it is known that heavy alcohol use impairs the hippocampus which affects memory.
Outline:
Introduction
Brain Shrinkage and Short Term Memory Loss
Hippocampus Activity and Memory Loss
Conclusion
From the Paper "As discussed earlier in the essay, heavy consumption has been associated for some time that with reductions in the numbers of cholinergic neurons in the forebrain. The forebrain cholinergic neurons are distinguished into two groups, those of the basal ganglia and those of the basal forebrain. The cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain project to the cortical regions, and the most rostral of these project to the allocortical regions such as the hippocampus. Therefore reductions in numbers of these cholinergic neurons will lead to reductions in activity of these allocortical regions, including the hippocampus. It is also possible that alterations in modulatory transmitter inputs such as cholinergic innervations may also play a role in the reduction of hippocampus activity without the actual loss of cholinergic neurons themselves. However in tests which have been performed on rhesus monkey models it has been shown that hippocampal activity reduction which is related solely to these alterations in modulatory input and not reductions in numbers of cholinergic neurons are unrelated to observed changes in memory function of any kind (Calhoun 475). This does not mean however that the reduction in hippocampal activity related to actual loss of cholinergic neurons does not lead to degeneration of memory function."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of signature wounds from various wars. According to this paper, the Iraq War has resulted in a large number of traumatic brain injuries. This paper goes on to discuss the causes and nature of this injury.
From the Paper "In every war, historians recognize that there will probably be at least one signature wound that will characterize that war for posterity. Incidences of radiation sickness from the atomic bomb will forever distinguish World War II. The Vietnam War still lives on in highlighting the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. The current Iraq War will be no different. In fact, military doctors are already aware of the signature wound of this conflict, one that is slowly dawning in the public eye. For a variety of reasons--including protective armor and enemy tactics--traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are emerging as one of the most devastating and widespread injuries among U.S. casualties of the Iraq War. Traumatic brain injury has a number of causes. However, the nature of the wound and its effects are well documented."
Abstract This paper examines some of the commonly held misconceptions about people over the age of 65 and their job performance skills. The paper dispels some of the negative myths about the performance ability of older workers and outlines the reasons why employers could benefit from an aging work force.
From the Paper "Today, many workers who hit retirement age are opting to keep working. Many factors contribute to this fact: economics, changes in retirement age, continuing need for personal achievement, and employers? need and desire to keep older workers on the job. In today's economy, many workers simply cannot afford to retire (Hawthorne, 2003). At the same time, the age for eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits will eventually climb from 62 to 67 with a substantial reduction in benefits for early retirees. This means that many older Americans will spend at least two to five years longer in the workforce or have to change their lifestyle. In addition, many older people simply want to keep working. The world faces a future in which a whole generation is healthy, wealthy and bored. Many will choose to keep working or will go back to work."
Tags: labor, department, administration, on, aging, competence, brain-work, experienced, knowledgeable
A discussion regarding how employers currently treat their employees with respect to working hours and family life with specific statistical references.
1,490 words (approx. 6 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 49.95
Abstract In this paper the author addresses the issue of how the work environment, particularly in large companies, can meet the demands of family life. He looks at the different areas that people work in and assesses how accommodating employers are to the needs of the employees with specific reference to flexible working hours. The author also looks at how employers treat employees returning to work after maternity leave and allowing parents to attend to children during regular working hours. The author then moves on to discuss stress levels at work and how this directly relates to hours worked and time that the employee can spend with the family.
From the paper:
?However, despite the fact that today's work/life movement has its roots in dependent care, the percentage of companies that provide assistance for dependent care remains remarkably low. For example, only half (50%) have set up pre-tax accounts that help employees set aside money for child care or elder care expenses. One-third (36%) provide employees with information that help them locate child care in their communities. As we might expect, less than 1 of every 10 workplaces either has a child care center at or near the work site (9%) or helps defray some of the costs of child care (9%).?
Abstract The writer of this paper attempts to define the true meaning of work while questioning whether or not people actually value their work or if they're in fact averse to it. The writer contends and explains why the concept of 'meaning of work' refers to the effectiveness of an enterprise as well as a sense of significance in a larger structure. This paper analyzes the pivotal role of work in comparison to leisure, community, religion and family activities. This paper details the views and perceptions of various social scientists, in American and around the world, regarding this specific topic. This paper delves into the elaborate research of William Whitely regarding work values in England, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Yugoslavia, the U.S., Japan and Israel. This paper discusses an analysis by Alexandre Ardichvili which indicates one of the first attempts to explore the meaning of working in countries that move from centrally planned to market driven economies. This paper also examines the Meaning of Work (MOW) Study as well as its results, which gathered proof relating to the manner in which cultural, societal and individual factors form the work ethic. The MOW International Research Team has created a work centrality index that prioritizes the responses from people in different nations in terms of their commitment to work and the magnitude of their identity with their work, which is detailed in this paper.
From the Paper "Allocating responsibility, building a varied and interesting work environment and particularly permitting autonomy all supplemented considerably to enhanced level of work centrality. Neither, positive work incidents like enhancement in salary and working environment along with developed interpersonal associations not negative work incidents like elimination of employment and extended unemployment result in individual work centrality. The life incident of marriage did not influence work centrality of men or women. The pregnancy and birth gives rise to the decline of absolute work centrality among women like that in 1993 work centrality was considerably lower among women those experienced childbirth, in contrast to those who did not."
Tags: sociology, research, perception, israel, mow, meaning, of, work, study
This paper addresses key issues in clinical social work, centering on the interview and case management process, and also discussing the use of time, silence, and information in the social work process.
3,400 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 124.95
Abstract This paper addresses key issues in clinical social work, centering on the interview and case management process, and also discussing the use of time, silence, and information in the social work process. It defines interviewing skills that a social worker must have, as well as describing the environment that would be ideal for therapeutic work or interviewing. Foremost among the issues that interviewing raises are trust and responsibility in the client-social worker relationship.
Tags: PSYCHOLOGY / COUNSELLING, SOCIAL WORK, social work relationships
