Biological research methods Flashcards
1
Q
What is a CAT scan?
1
A
- Uses X-rays and computer to create detailed structural images of inside body, Inc. brain
- Each image = cross-section of brain
2
Q
What is a PET scan
1
A
- Measures metabolic activity in brain (most active areas)
3
Q
What is an fMRI scan?
1
A
- Uses radio waves to measure blood oxygen levels in the brain
4
Q
What is the main pro of a CAT scan?
1
A
- High quality, can reveal abnormal structures in brain (tumour)
5
Q
What are the pros of a PET scan?
2
A
- Show brain in action (bio activity can be linked to behaviour (ppt experience)
- Indicate specific areas of brain involved in experience (evidence of localisation of function)
6
Q
What are the cons of PET scan?
3
A
- Results hard to interpret, hard to draw conclusions about linking of behaviours
- Precise locations of active areas difficult to pinpoint
- Radioactive substances = damage tissue of body, cause mutations in DNA (only done 1 every 6 months)
7
Q
What are the pros of fMRI scans?
3
A
- Show info about which areas of brain used at a time
- Doesn’t use radiation (very safe)
- Images produced extremely clear (to the mm)
8
Q
What are the cons of fMRI scans?
3
A
- Expensive
- Only effective if person stays perfectly still (no child)
- 5sec lag between brain activity and image on screen
9
Q
What is the process of a PET scan?
3
A
- Injected w small radio active substance (glucose)
- Brain areas most active use more, appear on scanner
- Info sent to computer
10
Q
Post PET scan, what are the colours of the most active and least active areas?
2
A
- Most = red/yellow
- Least = Blue
11
Q
What is the process of an fMRI scan?
2
A
- Areas most active use most oxygen, blood directed to active area
- Activity picked up through radio signals, signals produce slides that turn into 3D image on computer
12
Q
What is the process of a CAT scan?
3
A
- Person lies in large scanner
- Scanner slowly rotated around them
- Images of brain/body taken from diff angles
13
Q
What are the cons of a CAT scan?
2
A
- Require ^radiation exposure than X-rays (harmful)
- No info about activity of live brain (still images), not useful linking brain areas w behaviours
