Measuring people phase test

Question 1

What are Reaction Times?

Answer 1

Reaction times can be defined as the time that passes from the introduction of a stimulus until the individual makes their response. Reaction time can be broken down into 3 components. Initially the individual needs to perceive the stimulus. Then they need to process and make sense of the stimulus and what it means. Then there is an element of producing the response.

Question 2

What can reaction times tell us?

Answer 2

-Provide an indirect measure of mental processes.
-Specifically, measuring reaction times can tell us about: the nature of the mental processes and the effect different stimuli has on mental processes.

Question 3

What are the different types of reaction times?

Answer 3

Simple reaction times
Choice reaction times
Discriminant reaction times

Question 4

Explain Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer 4

Measures the brains electrical activity.
Electrodes are attached to the scalp, and they serve to detect small changes in electrical activity.
Different waveforms produced reflect different functional states of the brain.

Question 5

Evaluation EEGs

Answer 5

Strengths
Good temporal resolution
Negatives
Poor spatial resolution

Question 6

Explain Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI)

Answer 6

Utilizes the fact that active brain regions require more oxygen, so blood flow increases to these areas
Oxygenated blood produces a different signal to deoxygenated blood so an image is created of the areas that are active
Signals are used to create high resolution images of the brain

Question 7

Evaluation of FMRIs

Answer 7

Strengths
Nothing needs to be injected into the participants (Non-invasive)
Offers better spatial resolution
Negatives
Poor temporal resolution

Question 8

Explain Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer 8

Utilises the fact that glucose uptake is greater in active brain areas.
Some preparations Is required for example a radioactive substance that mimics glucose is injected into the bloodstream.
Active cells take up this radioactive substance more readily.
Colours represent different levels of activity

Question 9

Evaluation of PET scans

Answer 9

Strengths
Creates high special resolution images.
Negatives
Poor temporal resolution
Individuals exposed to radioactive substance