Brain Scanning Techniques EEG Flashcards
What does EEG stand for?
Electro encephalogram and provides a continuous recording of brain wave activity
EEG specially record when there is a polarity change (negative to positive charge or vice versa)
Caused when neurotransmitters are received by the dendrites of post synaptic neurons
EEG not capable of recording a single neurons activity but recode the activity
Of numerous of neurons that are working together in concert or what’s called a local field potential
How does EEG work?
The subjected is fitted with an EEG cap composed of electrodes placed on the scalp that measure neuron activity directly below where they are placed
An EEG amplifies strengthens the signals and sends data to a data acquisition computer
Amplitude measures in micro volts
4 main wavelength groups which have a different speed of oscillation
They have practical applications
Can be used to diagnose conditions such as
Epilepsy (characterised by random bursts of electrical activity that can be detected on the data acquisition computer)
Diagnosis then allows appropriate treatment to be determined so the condition can be managed
This means that EEG is valuable
In helping improve the lives of people in the real world
They have advantages over fMRs
Better temporal resolution, not time lag between neuron activity and output seen on the screen
Less expensive, trails likely to involve large samples, improving validity
This means that EEG provides a more
Detailed and precise recording of brain activity than fMRI
They are crude and over general measures of brain activity
Not capable of recording the activity of single neurons in specific location of the brain instead records the activity of many thousands of neurons in general
This means that it does not allow researchers to pinpoint the exact location of the activity making it
Less useful in understanding the localisation of function
