Hippocampus and Empirical Method

 

 

 

 

I will describe an empirical method, and I will share my experience as empirical evidence in this discussion assignment.

 

As a premise, what is an empirical method? According to the textbook, "An empirical method for acquiring knowledge is one based on observation, including experimentation, rather than a method based only on forms of logical argument or previous authorities"(Spielman et al., 2017, p.15). 

 

Then, what parts of our bodies do we rely upon when gathering empirical evidence? We listen and see the phenomena or records of the experience/experiments through our eyes and ears. The information got by our organs is transmitted to our brain through the optic nerve and the auditory nerve or other nerves. Moreover, Wendy Suzuki explains that the hippocampus in our brain works as a key structure critical for our ability to form and retain new long-term memories for facts and events(TED, 2018). 

 

Subsequently, I will share my day-to-day living experience and observations as part of empirical evidence. I experienced chronic stomach itchy from stress when I was 15 years old due to the high school entrance exam pressure. I went to the hospital, and I heard from the doctor that some medicine would solve my stomachache issue dramatically. A priori reasoning told me that solving the stomachache problem == regaining my appetite and reducing my concerns and stress, but this is not true empirically. Indeed, my stomach condition improved to some extent, but my concerns and stress could not disappear without solving the cause of the symptoms.

 

In conclusion, empirical evidence must be based on observation, including experimentation or experience, and we are gathering and applying empirical evidence using our eyes, ears, nerves, and brains (Spielman et al., 2017).

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

TED. (March 21, 2018) The brain-changing benefits of exercise|Wendy Suzuki Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHY0FxzoKZE

 

Spielman, R., Dumper, K., Jenkins, W., Lacombe, A., Lovett, M. & Perlmutter, M. (2017). Psychology. OpenStax College, Rice University. Retrieved from https://my.uopeople.edu/pluginfile.php/1097682/mod_page/content/7/PSYCTextCh_1-4.pdf