Brain scans

Question 1

Benefits of using brain scans

Answer 1

Are objective, not influenced by subjective interpretation

Question 2

CAT scan

Answer 2

(computerised axial topography)
Multiple xrays + compuer to make cross sectional images, shows brain structure only

Question 3

Advantages of CAT scans

Answer 3

(+) can identify tumours and structural problems
(+) better quality than an individual xray

Question 4

disadvantages of CAT scans

Answer 4

(-) needs more radiation than a traditional xray
(-) doesn’t show activity

Question 5

fMRI

Answer 5

(functional magnetic resonance imaging).
Measures which areas are using the most oxygen

Question 6

advantages of fMRI scans

Answer 6

(+) shows which areas are functioning and thus good for psych research
(+) no radiation required
(+) produces very clear images and shows activity to the nearest millimeter

Question 7

disadvantages of fMRI scans

Answer 7

(-) ppt must stay still for a long period of time
(-) 5 second lag between activity and appearing on screen, difficult to interpret

Question 8

PET scan

Answer 8

PET scans measure metabolic activity in the brain. They monitor a radioactive chemical which has been injected into someone’s blood stream.
Brain cells that are active use more blood than ones that are inactive, so PET scan can identify the more active parts of the brain. Different levels of activity show up as different colours on the computer screen.

Question 9

Advantages of PET scans

Answer 9

(+) is functional, helps psychologists do studies to show which areas are active when performing tasks in the scanner (TULVING)
(+) don’t have to stay still

Question 10

disadvantages of PET scans

Answer 10

(-) expensive and hard to interpret
(-) uses radiation (pregnant ppl are advised against it)