Biopsychology: Ways of studying the brain

Question 1

What are the ways of studying the brain?

Answer 1

Post-mortem examinations (Invasive)
Scanning techniques (non-invasive): Functional Magnetic Response Imaging (fMRI)
-Electroencephalogram (EEGs)
-Event-related potentials (ERPs)

Question 2

What are invasive methods of studying the brain?

Answer 2

One in which the body is ‘invaded’ or entered by a needle, tube, devise or scope.
-E.g. post-mortem

Question 3

What is a post-mortem?

Answer 3

Is an examination of a corpse in order to determine the cause of death.

Question 4

What are problems with a post-mortem study?

Answer 4

• May lack validity due to small sample.

- Neuronal changes may be due to death.

Question 5

What is an example of an invasive method being used in a study?

Answer 5

Paul Brochas study on ‘Tan’. Area called Brocha’s area was found.

Question 6

What are non-invasive methods of studying brain?

Answer 6

Is where there is no break in the skin or any invasion of healthy tissue.
-EEG, FMRI, ERP.

Question 7

What is FMRI

Answer 7

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging are 3D scans using magnetic and radio waves.

Question 8

What is the process of FMRI?

Answer 8

-Person lies in large cylinder - waves sent through body affecting body’s atoms.

Question 9

What does FMRI measure?

Answer 9

• They measure brain activity tracking blood flow.

- Measures change in energy released by Haemoglobin to see brain activity. (oxygen consumption).

Question 10

What are the advantages and disadvantages of FMRI?

Answer 10

• Captures dynamic brain activity, unlike MRI.
• Good spatial resolution.
• Expensive.
• Interpretation is difficult.

Question 11

What is EEG?

Answer 11

Electroencephalogram is a non-invasive measurement of electrical activity in the brain.

Question 12

What is the process of EEG?

Answer 12

• Electrodes (flat metal disks) are placed onto the scalp using a sticky substance.
• These electrodes pick up electrical signals from the brain and send to EEG machine, which records the signals on a computer which is monitored.

Question 13

What is the advantages and disadvantages of EEG?

Answer 13

• Cheaper than FMRI
• Non-invasive = ethically good
• Good temporal resolution
• Poor spatial resolution

Question 14

What is ERP’s?

Answer 14

Event related potentials: measuring the brain’s response to stimulus through analysis of EEG data in response to a stimulus.

Question 15

What is the procedure of ERPs

Answer 15

Using an average of original EEG recording researchers can filter out all other brain activity that is not relevant.

• ERPs that occur within 100 millisecs = sensory ERPs
• Over 100 millisecs are cognitive ERPs

Question 16

What are advantages and disadvantages of ERPs?

Answer 16

• Cheaper then FMRI
• Good temporal resolution
• Poor spatial resolution