ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Psychology => Topic started by: Genericname2365 on March 15, 2012, 05:58:37 pm

Title: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: Genericname2365 on March 15, 2012, 05:58:37 pm
Is there any any benefit to learning details like size (e.g. Corpus colossum: 10cm in length and 0.75cm in thickness) for some of the parts of the brain? Or should I just stick to the functions of the brain areas, etc.? I'm asking this with SACs and the exam in mind.
Title: Re: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: oliverk94 on March 15, 2012, 07:14:55 pm
Checking the study design, it says nothing about learning the sizes of the different parts of the brain.

I recommend you refer to the study design, specifically Unit 3, AOS1, outcome 1 if you unsure what you need to learn because it tells you what areas you need learn and also what you will be examined on.
Title: Re: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: amilss on March 15, 2012, 07:15:36 pm
Probably not considering there is so much more critical stuff to know for exams. For example, with the corpus callosum, the focus is not on it as a structure as such, but its role in communication between hemispheres and sperry and gazzinga's experiment and findings
Title: Re: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on March 16, 2012, 01:27:46 am
I'd say just put them in your notes, you never know what VCAA/your psych teacher might decide to test you on - measurement information isn't essential but they can be tested in multiple choice questions (I've come across this in quite a few of my SACs and a few practice exams too)
Title: Re: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: yellowsone31 on March 16, 2012, 09:36:12 pm
I think stick to basic structure and know the function really well. It also may be helpful to look at pictures, in case you are presented with a diagram in the SAC or exam.
Title: Re: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: Genericname2365 on March 20, 2012, 04:13:23 pm
Ok thanks for the advice.  :) I think I will just stick to the more critical information and not worry too much about more complex anatomical details. 
Title: Re: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: Genericname2365 on April 16, 2012, 11:29:31 pm
Quote
The cerebral cortex is approximately _________ thick [VCAA, 2006]
I'm not sure if the study design has changed since then, but unless the study design has removed details like this, this potentially does show that there is a chance of these questions appearing on the exam, whether they are perceived as intuitive or not.
Title: Re: Is it worth learning these details about parts of the brain?
Post by: yellowsone31 on April 19, 2012, 05:25:13 pm
Quote from: Genericname2365 on April 16, 2012, 11:29:31 pm
Quote
The cerebral cortex is approximately _________ thick [VCAA, 2006]
I'm not sure if the study design has changed since then, but unless the study design has removed details like this, this potentially does show that there is a chance of these questions appearing on the exam, whether they are perceived as intuitive or not.

Study design for psych changed in 2011... :)