Scanning Techniques

Question 1

What is a CAT scan?

Answer 1

A scanning technique that uses X-Ray to make an image of the brain.

Question 2

What is a PET scan?

Answer 2

Measures metabolic brain activity by injecting a radioactive glucose tracer.

Question 3

What is an fMRI scan?

Answer 3

Uses radio-waves to measure brain blood oxygen levels.

Question 4

What are the positives of CAT scans?

Answer 4

+Reveal abnormal areas in the brain such as damage.
+Produces high quality imaging.

Question 5

What are the negatives of CAT scans?

Answer 5

-Require radiation
-Produce still images so there is only a limited use in linking brain areas to behaviours.

Question 6

What are the advantages of using PET scans?

Answer 6

+Show brain in action so biological activity can be linked with behaviour.
+Show detail of specific areas.

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of using PET scan?

Answer 7

-Involves radioactive tracer which can damage the tissue of humans.
-Results aren’t always easy to interpret as ppts may have the same behaviour but different brain activity.

Question 8

What are the advantages of fMRI scans?

Answer 8

+No radioactive tracer or radiation.
+Produces clear images on brain activity.

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of fMRI scans?

Answer 9

-Very expensive
-Ppt have to remain still and this may be difficult for certain groups (children).