COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL METHODS FOR STUDYING BRAIN FUNCTIONING

Question 1

• Thin electrode is inserted next to a single neuron. Changes in electrical activity occurring in the cell are then recorded.
• NOT suitable for humans.
• Rather precise recording of electrical activity

Answer 1

Single-cell Recording

Question 2

• Changes in electrical potentials are recorded via electrodes attached to scalp.
• SUITABLE for humans.
• Advantage: Relatively noninvasive
• Disadvantage: Imprecise

Answer 2

Electroencephalograms [EEG]

Question 3

• Changes in electrical potentials are recorded via electrodes attached to scalp.
• SUITABLE for humans.
• Advantage: Relatively noninvasive
• Disadvantage: Does not show actual brain images

Answer 3

Event-Related Potential [ERP]

Question 4

• Participants ingest a mildly radioactive form of oxygen that emits positrons as it is metabolized. Changes in concentration of positrons in targeted areas of the brain are then measured.
• SUITABLE for humans.
• Advantage: Shows images of the brain in action.
• Disadvantage: Less useful for fast processes.

Answer 4

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Question 5

• Creates a magnetic field that induces changes in the particles of oxygen atoms. More active areas draw more oxygenated blood than do less active areas in the brain. The differences in the amounts of oxygen consumed form the basis for MRI measurements.
• SUITABLE for humans
• Advantage: Shows images of the brain in action; more precise than PET.
• Disadvantage: Requires individual to be placed in uncomfortable scanner for some time.

Answer 5

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI)

Question 6

• Involves placing a call on a person’s head and then allowing an electrical current to pass through it. The current generates a magnetic field. This feld disrupts the small area (usually no more than a cubic centimeter) beneath it. The researcher can then look at cognitive functioning when the particular area is disrupted.
• SUITABLE for humans.
• Advantage: Enables researcher to pinpoint how disruption of a particular area of brain affects cognitive functioning.
• Disadvantage: Potentially dangerous if misused.

Answer 6

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
(TMS)

Question 7

• Involves measuring brain activity through detection of magnetic fields by placing a device over the head.
• SUITABLE for humans.
• Advantage: Extremely precise spatial and temporal resolution.
• Disadvantage: Requires expensive machine not readily available to researchers.

Answer 7

Magnetoencephalography [MEG]

Question 8

• Ultrasound measures the velocity of blood flow in the brain.
• SUITABLE for humans.
• Advantage: Excellent temporal resolution, suitable for children.
• Disadvantage: Limited spatial resolution.

Answer 8

Functional Transcranial Doppler Sonography (fTCD)

Question 9

• A sensor on the forehead measures blood flow in the prefrontal cortex and amount of oxygen in the blood.
• SUITABLE for humans
• Advantage: Portable, inexpensive, suitable for children.
• Disadvantage: Instruments need to be finely tuned and sensitive.

Answer 9

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)