1st Edition
Functions of the Brain A Conceptual Approach to Cognitive Neuroscience
Considering how computational properties of the brain inform cognitive functions, this book presents a unique conceptual introduction to cognitive neuroscience. This essential guide explores the complex relationship between the mind and the brain, building upon the authors’ extensive research in neural information processing and cognitive neuroscience to provide a comprehensive overview of the field.
Rather than providing detailed descriptions of different cognitive processes, Functions of the Brain: A Conceptual Approach to Cognitive Neuroscience focuses on how the brain functions using specific processes. Beginning with a brief history of early cognitive neuroscience research, Kok goes on to discuss how information is represented and processed in the brain before considering the underlying functional organization of larger-scale brain networks involved in human cognition. The second half of the book addresses the architecture of important overlapping areas of cognition, including attention and consciousness, perception and action, and memory and emotion.
This book is essential reading for upper-level undergraduates studying Cognitive Neuroscience, particularly those taking a more conceptual approach to the topic.
About the Author
Preface
1: The birth of cognitive neuroscience
2: Introducing the brain: from synapse to networks
3: Representation, computing and control
4: Activation, attention and awareness
5: Perception and action
6: Memory systems
7: Emotions
Epilogue
References
Index
Biography
Albert Kok is Emeritus Professor at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Society of Psychophysiological Research (SPR, USA) and Chairman of the Society of Psychonomics in the Netherlands.
'A comprehensive synthesis of the field of cognitive neuroscience with far-sighted views of where the field is going and what it might mean for human knowledge. A must read for all students and research scientists.'Michael S. Gazzaniga, Director, Sage Center, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
'A systematic and highly accessible introduction to cognitive neuroscience, covering all main areas in this field and the links between them. This integrative overview can provide an excellent foundation for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.'
Martin Eimer, Professor of Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, UK, Fellow of the British Academy and the German National Academy of Sciences
