Chapter 4: Techniques for studying the brain

Question 1

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer 1

Recording of the electrical activity of the cortex using multiple scalp electrodes

Question 2

Even-Related Potentials (ERPs)

Answer 2

An encephalographic measure of local changes in the brain electrical activity in response to specific stimuli

Question 3

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Answer 3

Detects the magnetic field changes produced by the cortical electrical activity

Question 4

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Answer 4

The localization of a brain function by temporarily blocking the electrical activity of an area by exposure to a magnetic field

Question 5

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)

Answer 5

The localization of brain function by temporarily stimulating electrical activity directing weak electrical currents to specific areas of the brain

Question 6

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer 6

High-resolution image of brain anatomy measuring energy changes of brain tissue after exposure to a strong magnetic field

Question 7

Diffusion Tension Imaging (DTI)

Answer 7

Measures the diffusion of water in the brain tissue, permitting the imaging of the white matter tracts

Question 8

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer 8

Assesses the metabolic activity of glucose or oxygen in the brain by following the path of a radioactive tracer injected intravenously

Question 9

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Answer 9

Assesses indirectly the metabolic activity of the brain through measuring the change of the blood flow

Question 10

Analyzing Electrical brain activity

Answer 10

• EEG
• ERPs
• MEG
• TMS
• tDCS

Question 11

Analyzing Anatomical Structure

Answer 11

• MRI

- DTI

Question 12

Analyzing Functional Metablic Activity

Answer 12

• PET

- fMRI