The Brain and Neuropsychology

    WJEC
    GCSE

    Analyse the structure and function of the human brain, focusing on the biological basis of behaviour. This study encompasses the division of the nervous system, the mechanics of synaptic transmission, and the specific roles of localised brain areas. Candidates must evaluate the concepts of hemispheric lateralisation and neuroplasticity, supported by evidence from post-mortem examinations, split-brain research, and modern neuroimaging techniques.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Frontal Lobe: Controls voluntary motor function, problem-solving, and speech production (Broca's area).
    • Synaptic Cleft: The physical gap between the pre-synaptic terminal and post-synaptic receptor site.
    • Dopamine: Excitatory neurotransmitter associated with drive, motivation, and pleasure.
    • fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detects changes in blood oxygenation and flow.
    • Cerebellum: Responsible for balance, coordination of voluntary movements, and fine motor skills.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You correctly identified the lobe, but must explain the specific mechanism leading to the deficit."
    • "Your description of the synapse is accurate but lacks key terminology like 'receptor site' and 'diffusion'."
    • "Good evaluation of PET scans; to improve, contrast this directly with fMRI regarding invasiveness."
    • "Ensure you apply the theory to the scenario provided—do not just state the definition of the sympathetic nervous system."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the precise use of biological terminology (e.g., 'neurotransmitter', 'synaptic cleft', 'post-synaptic receptor') rather than generic terms.
    • Credit responses that explicitly link specific brain lobes (Frontal, Parietal, Temporal, Occipital) to their correct functions when analysing scenarios.
    • Candidates must distinguish between the electrical impulse (action potential) within the neuron and the chemical diffusion across the synapse.
    • Evaluation of scanning techniques must go beyond cost; credit comparisons of temporal/spatial resolution and invasiveness.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For synaptic transmission questions, use a chronological flow: Release -> Diffusion -> Binding -> Effect.
    • 💡When evaluating scans, use the GRAVE acronym (Generalisability, Reliability, Application, Validity, Ethics) to structure points.
    • 💡In scenario questions, explicitly name the damaged area before describing the expected behavioural deficit.
    • 💡Allocate strictly 1 minute per mark; ensure 9-mark essays conclude with a definitive judgment on the most useful technique/theory.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the functions of the Sympathetic (arousal) and Parasympathetic (calming) nervous systems.
    • Stating that electrical signals jump across the synapse, rather than describing the chemical process involving neurotransmitters.
    • Failing to differentiate between the Cerebellum (motor coordination) and the Cerebrum (higher processing).
    • Describing fMRI as measuring 'electrical activity' rather than blood oxygenation/flow.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Describe
    Explain
    Evaluate
    Discuss
    Compare
    Identify

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