Biopsychology: Ways of investigating the brain

Question 1

Name the four ways to investigate the brain

Answer 1

• fMRI functional magnetic resonance imagining
• EEG Electroencephalogram
• ERPs Event related potential
• Post mortem examination

Question 2

Outline an fMRI

Answer 2

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Detects change in blood oxygenation and flow that occurs as a result of neural activity
Active areas require more oxygen, so we can use this to identify which areas are active

Question 3

Outline EEG

Answer 3

Electroencephalogram
Measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes that are fixed to a skull cap
Generates brain waves from action of millions of neurons
Can spot unusual wave activity

Question 4

Outline ERP

Answer 4

Event Related Potential
Take EEG recording and filter out any extraneous brain activity leaving only responses we want to measure
Event related potentials are types of brainwave triggered from particular event

Question 5

Outline Post mortem examination

Answer 5

analysis of persons brain following death

areas of damage are examined to find out the likely cause of the affliction the person has suffered