Cucueco, Cyrill Angela S.

2012- 57270

Class Activity Documentary: The Human Brain (History)

1. Based on the information presented in the video, identify three parts of the brain that you think are
particularly interesting or relevant in your daily activities (as a college student, an athlete, an
organization member/leader, a lover [choz!])

Part of the Function/s Why you find it interesting/relevant

brain

Hippocampus Key to the storage Based on the video, Clive Wearings hippocampus was
and retrieval discovered to be damaged greatly hence his long term
process of memory memory is not functioning. As a college student, it is
interesting to know how the hippocampus works and
further research suggests that exercising generates
new hippocampal neurons to improve memory.

Amygdala Center of emotions, When fear is felt, the amygdala is the one sending this
emotional response, fear to different parts of the body as a response
and motivation (sweat, faster heartbeat). It is possible to control these
amygdala responses by certain techniques, one being
visualization to reduce the body response felt when the
real scenario happens. As a theater actress, it is
recommended to visualize how the audience will look
like while Im on stage to reduce my stage fear.

Striatum Part of the brain that The dopamine release makes the adventure-seeker
has the densest jump from a cliff even though she has a fear of heights.
concentration of I think this is interesting for times when I am placed in
dopamine receptors situations that Im greatly challenged (job interview,
etc.), I would just need to find a way to release more
dopamine to relieve my anxiety and fear.

2. Of the cases and studies presented in the video, which ones did you find the most interesting? Identify
one and briefly explain what you find striking about it?

The study, presented in the video, which I found most interesting is the study on the british artist,
Stephen Wiltrshire, a mnemonist. Whats striking about him is how he got to visually record the london
cityscape in much detail, within 20 minutes and remember this all the way back to his studio where he drew it
accurately. Its also interesting how these mnemonists brain compensates in its other functions, hence, most
are susceptible of autism as well.

3. Can you think of any possible criticisms or shortcomings of any of the studies presented in the video?
Identify at least one and briefly explain. (NOTE: This may be related to some of the disadvantages of
certain research methods we have discussed before, or it may be something that you found
questionable in the studies presented in the video.)

One of the studies presented in the video that has a lot of things to still improve on is the study of how
the brain reacts during an orgasm. The study was done in the laboratory, where it is greatly possible that the
orgasm experienced in the laboratory is not the same as to the usual orgasm experience by the volunteer at
his/her own home (natural environment). Yes, much control was observed greatly in this set-up (ex. oxygen
injection, precise time) but these controls have made the study limited as well. It is possible that if the study
was done in the natural environment of the people involved, different results may occur.