INFLUENCE OF NEUROSCIENCE ON COGNITIVE RESEARCH

Scientists have engaged in study to determine whether or not the parts of the brain specialize in one task exclusively, performing an action repetitively like factory workers on a traditional assembly line. Some theorize that individual neural regions specialize in various tasks, at times even “contracting” one another for collaborative interactions (Kanwisher, 2010).

However the brain conducts its processing, the manner in which this occurs directly influences how humans appear on the “outside.” Thus, if human attitudes toward ethnically different groups correspond with “increased activity in the amygdala, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex,” (2008, p. 65) a deeper understanding of this activity may correlate with greater awareness of the mechanisms behind stereotyping and prejudice.

It is now possible to examine questions such as these using the arsenal of research methodologies available to cognitive research. Some examples of these methodologies include functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and Magnetoencephalograpy (MEG).

For this Discussion, you identify a major impact of neuroscience on cognitive psychology. You then explain impacts of neuroscience on social change. You also consider a related question you find interesting and describe effective research methods for investigating it. Locate five articles published in the last five years in peer-reviewed journals that document research involving questions and methodologies that you find interesting.

References:
Cacioppo, J. T., Berntson, C. G., & Nusbaum, H. C. (2008). Neuroimaging as a new tool in the toolbox of psychological science. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17(2), 62–67.
Kanwisher, N. (2010). Functional specificity in the human brain: A window into the functional architecture of the mind. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, 107(25), 11163–11170.

TO PREPARE

Think about a psychology of personality research topic on well-being that interests you. Consider the following as you research and choose your topic:

• What areas of personality do you find interesting?
• What personality theories do you find interesting?
• What topics of well-being do you find interesting?
• When you combine your interests in personality psychology with your interests in well-being, what are some potential topics you would like to learn more about?

Post 2-3 topics related to well-being that you would be interested in learning more about. Connect these topics to one or more personality theories.  
Referenes

• Abi-Hashem, N. (2015). Revisiting cultural awareness and cultural relevancyLinks to an external site.. The American Psychologist, 70(7), 660–661Links to an external site.

  Note: This article was previously read in Week 7. As you re-read this article this time, consider the implications for research in personality theory.

• Arnett, J. (2009). The neglected 95%, a challenge to psychology’s philosophy of scienceLinks to an external site.. American Psychologist, 64(6), 571–574.Links to an external site.
• Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2019). Personality: Theory and research (14th ed.). Wiley. 
  • Chapter 2, “The Scientific Study of People” (pp. 27-52)Links to an external site.Personality and Well-Being Literature Review Matrix  [Excel document]Note: You will use this matrix to organize your research for your  Assignment.  You will also submit this matrix as part of your Assignment. 
• Gardner, D. G. (2020). The importance of being resilient: Psychological well-being, job autonomy, and self-esteem of organization managers. Personality and Individual Differences, 155, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2019.109731
• McLeod, S. (2019). What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?Links to an external site. Simply Psychology.
• Personality and Well-Being Literature Review Matrix Download Personality and Well-Being Literature Review Matrix  [Excel document]
  Note: You will use this matrix to organize your research for your  Assignment.  You will also submit this matrix as part of your Assignment. 
• Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services. (2020). Research resources: Research design and analysis.Links to an external site.
  Note: On this website, in each identified section, view the following videos and consider how each will inform your Competency Assessment.
  • General Research Design: Introduction to Research Design (16:07 min) and Roundtable: Research Methods (26:46 min)
  • Qualitative Design and Analysis: Overview of Qualitative Research Methods (12:09 min)
  • Quantitative Research Design and Analysis: Overview of Quantitative Research Methods (22:04 min)
• Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.