biopsychology: ways of investigating the brain Flashcards
1
Q
what are the 4 ways of investigating the brain?
A
EEG
ERP
fMRI
post mortem
2
Q
what is an EEG scan?
A
- measures electrical activity within the brain via electrodes in a skull cap
- recording represents the brain wave patterns
- waves are generates from millions of neurones
- used as a diagnosis tool to indicate neurological abnormalities
3
Q
what is an ERP scan?
A
- same as EEG, however extraneous activity is filtered out leaving only those responses that relate to a specific stimulus whereas EEG looks at whole brain
4
Q
what is an fMRI scan?
A
- patient is placed in strong magnetic field
- detects changes in blood and oxygen flow
- produces a 3d image of the brain which show parts of the brain which are involved in particular mental processes
5
Q
what is a post mortem?
A
- the analysis of a person following their death
- areas of damage within the brain are examined to establish the cause
- likely to occur on people who have had a rare disorder
- may also involve a comparison with a neurotypical brain in order it gauge the difference
6
Q
spacial resolution of EEG/ERP?
A
superficial regions only
7
Q
temporal resolution of EEG/ERP?
A
1-10ms
8
Q
spacial resolution of fMRI?
A
1-2mm
9
Q
temporal resolution of fMRI?
A
1-4s
10
Q
spacial resolution of post mortem?
A
high
11
Q
temporal resolution of post mortem?
A
high
12
Q
strengths of EEG/ERP?
A
- doesn’t use radiation
- cheap
- use to diagnose/treat brain problems
13
Q
limitations of EEG/ERP?
A
- not as clear
- difficult to pinpoint exact area
14
Q
strengths of fMRI?
A
- not invasive
- easy to use
- risk free
15
Q
limitations of fMRI?
A
- expensive
- poor temporal resolution
- patient must be still/could be claustrophobic
