This article will answer “which branch of psychology would neuroscience relate most to?” It will explain in detail what neuroscience is. It will also elaborate on the different areas of neuroscience.
It will discuss who are neurologists, neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, and neurosurgeons. In the end, the article will answer some frequently asked questions.
Which Branch of Psychology Would Neuroscience Relate Most To?
Cognitive psychology. Neuroscience relates most to cognitive psychology because this branch investigates the mental processes of the individual. It tries to understand how the brain engages in several mental activities.
Cognitive psychology understands how we learn, solve problems, memorise, and acquire language. It also looks into how we perceive the world, think about the world, communicate, and store information.
Cognitive psychology is closely related to the fields of neuroscience, philosophy and linguistics. It also tries to understand how people can improve their memory, increase their decision-making abilities, and boost learning.
WHAT IS NEUROSCIENCE?
Traditionally, neuroscience has been considered a subdivision of biology. However, now it is considered to be an interdisciplinary science which works closely with other disciplines as well.
These disciplines include mathematics, linguistics, computer science, engineering, psychology, medicine, chemistry, and sometimes even philosophy.
Neuroscience is also known as ‘Natural science’ because it is the study of the nervous system, how it develops, what are the structures of the nervous system, and what the nervous system does.
Researchers usually think of neuroscience as being the same as neurobiology. However, this is not true. Neurobiology only looks at the biology of the nervous system.
Whereas, neuroscience refers to the entire nervous system and deals with anything to do with the nervous system. Today, neuroscientists are more involved in many fields than before. They study the cellular, functional, computational, medical, molecular, and evolutionary aspects of the nervous system.
Neuroscientists are known as medical research scientists who tend to study the nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of the brain, spinal cord and nerve cells in the body. Neuroscience is considered to be a complex field of science which includes studying molecular and developmental biology, physiology, and anatomy along with other subjects.
Neuroscientists use this knowledge to study the nervous system and understand the ways to better the functioning of the brain in terms of its effectiveness.
Since neuroscience is a diverse and large field, neuroscientists choose to focus on specialising in certain areas of study. This enables them to narrow in on the research in areas that interest them. For instance, if they choose to become a neurologist, they can work with patients who have conditions of epilepsy, strokes, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
What are the areas of applied speciality for neuroscientists?
The various fields in which neuroscientists can do their majors, or specialise are as follows:
- Developmental Neuroscience is a field that studies the development of the brain through different stages of life, and the changes that occur in the brain as a result of ageing.
- Cognitive Neuroscience focuses on how the brain creates memories, language, and problem-solving abilities. It also focuses on understanding how the brain uses the same.
- Molecular and Cellular neuroscience focuses on certain molecules and cells in the brain that determine the functioning of neurons.
- Neurogenetics studies how the genes inherited by the individual affect the brain and the body by influencing changes in the neurons.
- Clinical neuroscience deals with medical diagnoses and treatment of disorders of the brain and the nervous system. It also helps in the management f the same.
- Neurophysiology focuses only on the nervous system and its functioning.
- Sensory neuroscience studies how the nervous system processes and use sensory information received by the body.
All about Neuroscientists, Neurologists, Neuropsychologists, and Neurosurgeons
Neuroscientists are known as medical research scientists who tend to study the nervous system. The nervous system is composed of the brain, spinal cord and nerve cells in the body.
Neuroscience is considered to be a complex field of science which includes studying molecular and developmental biology, physiology, and anatomy along with other subjects.
Neuroscientists use this knowledge to study the nervous system and understand the ways to better the functioning of the brain in terms of its effectiveness.
Since neuroscience is a diverse and large field, neuroscientists choose to focus on specialising in certain areas of study. This enables them to narrow in on the research in areas that interest them. For instance, if they choose to become a neurologist, they can work with patients who have conditions of epilepsy, strokes, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Neurologists are specialised physicians who look into the non-surgical management of several nervous system disorders for both the central and peripheral nervous systems. If you’re into surgeries, neurosurgery is the speciality that you should be looking into.
Neurologists are responsible for managing all neurological problems ranging from headaches, and migraines, to more catastrophic diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Strokes, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
It is widely believed neurologists are involved more in the diagnoses of conditions and don’t play a big role in the treatment for the same. There are various conditions that have not progressed much when it comes to modern medicines. However, there has been tremendous growth in the research of neurological conditions and therapies for the same are increasing in number.
A neurosurgeon assesses, diagnoses and treats conditions that affect your body’s nervous system, which includes your brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and all of your nerves that extend from your spinal cord.
Neurologists work along with neurosurgeons to help carry out and interpret tests required for brain disorders. Neurologists help family members and provide support.
Neuropsychologists are psychologists that specialise in understanding how behaviours interact with the brain. They understand the relationship between the brain and the behaviours people engage in. They also try to understand how disorders of the brain and the nervous system can affect the behaviour and cognitive functioning of an individual.
Brain surgeons or neurosurgeons are trained medical doctors who diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They perform surgeries on the nervous system. However, they can also provide non-surgical treatments that include medications, steroids, as well as physical therapies. Usually, these methods are tried and tested before recommending surgery.
Neurosurgeons also diagnose as well as treat conditions that may affect the supporting structures of the nervous system, such as:
- The skull
- Spinal vertebrate
- Spinal disks
- Blood vessels
- Soft tissues
- Protective membranes
Neurosurgeons are also consulted by other healthcare providers because they have extensive knowledge and training in the nervous system.
Other healthcare providers often consult neurosurgeons due to their extensive training in the nervous system.
A neuropsychologist’s role is to understand how the structures of the brain and the systems of the brain affect behaviour and thinking. They usually have a doctorate in psychology and are trained in neuropsychology. Neuropsychologists often work in clinical settings. They can also work in hospitals.
Conclusion
This article answers “which branch of psychology would neuroscience relate most to?” It explains in detail what neuroscience is. It also elaborates on the different areas of neuroscience. It discusses who are neurologists, neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, and neurosurgeons. In the end, the article will answer some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Which Branch of Psychology Would Neuroscience Relate Most To?
What is Clinical Neuroscience?
Clinical neuroscience studies the disorders of the nervous system.
How do you pronounce neuroscience?
Neu·ro·sci·ence or ˌn(y)o͝orōˈsīəns/ is the correct pronunciation of neuroscience.
How did cognitive neuroscience emerge as a field?
Cognitive neuroscience is considered to be a new field in both neuroscience and psychology. In the 1970s, Michael Gazzaniga, who was a neuroscientist and George Miller, who was a cognitive psychologist, pioneered the way toward cognitive neuroscience.
How much intelligence is required to get into neuroscience?
You require higher levels of intelligence to get into neuroscience. You need to be able to have qualities of self-learning and analytical thinking.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures in people that suffer from it. This disorder results when there is abnormal brain activity. Seizures can involve the contractions of involuntary muscles and are also characterised by feelings of confusion, or periods of blanking out during the seizure. There are various effective medications that can help in reducing or preventing epilepsy.
References
Gazzaniga, M. S. (2009). The cognitive neurosciences. MIT press.
Miller, G. A. (1989). George A. Miller. Stanford University Press.
