3.5. Ways Of Studying The Brain

Question 1

What is a post mortem?

Answer 1

The brain is studied after death to see structural abnormalities
E.g. HM and Tan

Question 2

Strength of a post mortem

Answer 2

Can clearly see structural damage and differences between “normal” and “abnormal”

Question 3

Weaknesses of a post mortem

Answer 3

• Unique cases (lack of generalisability)
• Small sample sizes
• Lacks validity due to changes during death

Question 4

What is an EEG?

Answer 4

Electrodes placed on the scalp to detect neural activity.
Used to look at stages of sleep and disorders, including epilepsy

Question 5

Strengths of an EEG

Answer 5

+ cheap = lots of research = increased reliability and validity
+ can see more and when a person is thinking
+ safe, painless, and non-invasive (likely to get more ppts)

Question 6

Weaknesses of an EEG

Answer 6

• poor spatial resolution (hard to read, need lots of research to understand)
• restricted to neo-cortex (outer layer) -> cannot use to study deeper part of the brain safely

Question 7

What is an fMRI?

Answer 7

Magnetic field and radio waves used to measure blood flow
Measures changes in blood flow when specific tasks are performed to see what area is involved

Question 8

What are the strengths of an fMRI?

Answer 8

+ Shows tumours and other damage
+ Safe, painless and non-invasive

Question 9

What are the weaknesses of an fMRI?

Answer 9

• very expensive, decreased research
• cannot use if you have a pacemaker or metallic device = decreased sample

Question 10

What is an Event Related Potential (ERP)?

Answer 10

Electrodes placed on the scalp to detect neural activity when presented with a stimuli

Question 11

What are the strengths of an ERP?

Answer 11

+ Ppts can be given different stimuli to see how processing works and which area of the brain is activated in response to the stimuli
+ Shows tumours and other damage
+ Safe, painless and non-invasive

Question 12

What are the weaknesses of an ERP?

Answer 12

• very expensive, decreased research
• cannot use if you have a pacemaker or metallic device = decreased sample

Question 13

What is the difference between EEGs and ERPs?

Answer 13

An EEG is a recording of general brain activity, usually linked to states such as sleep and arousal whereas ERPs are elicited by specific stimuli presented to the ppt.