Cerebroconditioning:Mental Training for Individual

and Societal Development

Rebecca Liu

Psychobiology

Abstract

Brain mapping holds unlimited potential for understanding the

organ that is perhaps most integral to man’s existence. The

practical applications that may stem from being able to localize

various mental and physical functions are manifold: pinpointing

the base “pleasure” center or centers would lend itself to the

elimination of destructive behaviors and unhealthy thoughts

through artificial electrical stimulation and psychological

conditioning. Of course, the realization of this proposal would

require strict governmental regulation, due to the possibilities

for misuse of such powerful techniques, such as mass brain

washing and even complete control.

ConceptExplored in this proposal are experimental proceduresused to determine the structural details and functionalqualities of the brain. These include computerizedtomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magneticresonance imaging (fMRI), and electroencephalography(EEG).

Also integral to the concept presented are Pavlovian (orclassical) conditioning and operant conditioning, whichhelp form the fundamental principles of learningpsychology. Such procedures are employed for theacquisition of new responses and behaviors in humansand other species.

The application of these brain imaging techniques topsychological conditioning procedures is the basis of theproject proposal.

Context & Precedents

Several techniques for brain imaging are currently in use. EEGs were

developed early in the 20th century to examine cerebral functioning by

measuring the electrical activity of neurons. PETs were first used in the

late 1950s to study metabolic processes in the brain with gamma rays.

CTs and MRIs came about in the 1970s, allowing visualization of the

structure of the brain using, respectively, x-rays and electromagnetic

fields. fMRIs were developed in the early 1990s to study function

through changes in blood flow, correlated with neuronal activity.1

There are two main types of psychological conditioning originating in the

early 20th century: Pavlovian, which consists of pairing stimuli to train a

response to one stimulus, and operant, which involves pairing a

behavior with a consequence to train the same or a different behavior.2

Brain stimulation has been used in the past, with deep brain stimulation

(DBS) for pain and movement disorders, and electroconvulsive therapy

(ECT) for depression.34

Project Proposal (I)

Individualized brain maps with localized emotions

will be constructed from the combination of

results from several types of brain imaging. Since

people are so unique, these will allow for the

tailoring of treatments to individuals.

With specific

areas pinpointed

as “pleasure,”

“disgust,” etc., 3D

structures, based

on functions, may

be formulated.

Project Proposal (II)

Artistic matching of the natural activity in the brain, due to

genuinely experienced emotions, and induced activity in the

same specific regions, from electrode stimulation, will allow the

recreation of feelings in artificial settings on command. This

region-specific stimulation will be used with psychological

conditioning by individuals to enforce in themselves those

behaviors that they mentally realize are beneficial to themselves,

but cannot bring themselves to do, and extinguish harmful

tendencies.

Project Proposal (III)

Ethical quagmires abound in this proposal: the misuse of brain

manipulation techniques could veritably lead to a worldwide

brainwashing, or some other 1984-inspired plot. This, then calls

for strict regulation by governmental agencies, such that these

powerful techniques not be so misused.

Of course, the likelihood of the

formation of such perfect public policy

is not large, but with such dramatic

scientific advances always come

significant problems.

ConclusionThe proliferation of fast food and unhealthy junk

foods in modern society, particularly wealthy,

industrialized countries, has called for a strong

and permanent solution before lethargy entirely

overtakes the growing generation of young

Americans. Long have techniques for viewing

the structures and functions of the human brain

been used in attempts to localize various

abilities and emotions, which govern our

wellbeing and enhance or limit our physical and

intellectual capabilities. Furthering such studies

will hopefully allow scientists to map the brain's

true pleasure center or centers; doing so may

then lead to the implantation of electrodes in

said areas of the brain, which can then be used

to "train," in as non-totalitarian a manner as

possible, those of future generations to enjoy

those activities that would benefit themselves,

mentally and physically.

References

1. Andreasen, Nancy C. "Brain Imaging: Applications in

Psychiatry." Science 239 (1988): 1381-1388. Print.

2. Bouton, Mark E. Learning and Behavior. Massachusetts:

Sinauer Associates, 2007. Print.

3. "Deep Brain Stimulation." NeurosurgeryToday.org. The

American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

April 2007. Web. 10 February 2010.

4. "Factsheet: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)." Mental Health

America. Mental Health America. Web. 10 February 2010.

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Images

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