Editing Behavioral neuroscience (section)

== Other research methods ==

Computational models - Using a computer to formulate real-world problems to develop solutions.<ref>Otago, U. o., n/d. Computational Modelling. [Online] 
Available at: http://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/otago032670.pdf</ref> Although this method is often focused in computer science, it has begun to move towards other areas of study. For example, psychology is one of these areas. Computational models allow researchers in psychology to enhance their understanding of the functions and developments in nervous systems. Examples of methods include the modelling of neurons, networks and brain systems and theoretical analysis.<ref>Churchland, P. S., & Sejnowski, T. J. (2016). The computational brain. MIT press.</ref> Computational methods have a wide variety of roles including clarifying experiments, hypothesis testing and generating new insights. These techniques play an increasing role in the advancement of biological psychology.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.07.001|title = How computational models can help unlock biological systems|year = 2015|last1 = Brodland|first1 = G. Wayne|journal = Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology|volume = 47-48|pages = 62–73|pmid = 26165820|doi-access = free}}</ref>

=== Limitations and advantages ===

Different manipulations have advantages and limitations. Neural tissue destroyed as a primary consequence of a surgery, electric shock or neurotoxin can confound the results so that the physical trauma masks changes in the fundamental neurophysiological processes of interest.
For example, when using an electrolytic probe to create a purposeful lesion in a distinct region of the rat brain, surrounding tissue can be affected: so, a change in behavior exhibited by the [[experimental group]] post-surgery is to some degree a result of damage to surrounding neural tissue, rather than by a lesion of a distinct brain region.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kirby|first1=Elizabeth D.|last2=Jensen|first2=Kelly|last3=Goosens|first3=Ki A.|last4=Kaufer|first4=Daniela|title=Stereotaxic Surgery for Excitotoxic Lesion of Specific Brain Areas in the Adult Rat|pmc=3476400|journal=Journal of Visualized Experiments|issue=65|pages=4079|doi=10.3791/4079|pmid=22847556|date=19 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="Abel and Lattal 2001"/> Most genetic manipulation techniques are also considered permanent.<ref name="Abel and Lattal 2001"/> Temporary lesions can be achieved with advanced in genetic manipulations, for example, certain genes can now be switched on and off with diet.<ref name="Abel and Lattal 2001"/> Pharmacological manipulations also allow blocking of certain neurotransmitters temporarily as the function returns to its previous state after the drug has been metabolized.<ref name="Abel and Lattal 2001">{{Cite journal | doi=10.1016/s0959-4388(00)00194-x| title=Molecular mechanisms of memory acquisition, consolidation and retrieval| year=2001| last1=Abel| first1=Ted| last2=Lattal| first2=K.Matthew| journal=Current Opinion in Neurobiology| volume=11| issue=2| pages=180–187| pmid=11301237| s2cid=23766473}}</ref>