Way of studying the brain Flashcards
what are FMRIs scans
A brain scanner which measures increased blood flow to brain sites when individuals are asked to perform cognitive/physical tasks. Increased blood flow indicates increased demand for oxygen in that area.
what are the strengths of FMRIs
Non-invasive – No insertion of instruments unlike PET and no exposure to radiation – Beneficial to the economy as there is no recovery time so people don’t have to be off work.
what are the limitations of FMRIs
Expensive –
fMRI only measures blood flow – it cannot home in on the activity of individual neurons therefore it’s hard to tell exactly what brain activity is being represented on the screen – High likelihood that the findings will be misinterpreted as it doesn’t show activity like EEG/ERP.
what are EEGs
Measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes attached to the scalp, and measures how electrical activity in the brain varies over time/in different states (e.g. waking vs. asleep). EEG readings can detect epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
what are the strengths of EEGS
- EEGs have medical applications in diagnosing disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s.
- Non-invasive - No insertion of instruments EEGs are virtually risk free and is avoidant of any danger to the brain itself.
- Cheaper than fMRI thus making them more available – Psychologists can gather more data on the functioning of the human brain thus contributing to our understanding of different psychological phenomena.
what are the limitations of EEGS
Not highly accurate – electrical activity detected in several regions of the brains simultaneously – Very hard to pinpoint exactly which area is producing this activity. therefore cannot distinguish differences in activity between 2 closely adjacent areas.
• Uncomfortable – Hard for the patients as electrodes are attached to their head – Could result in an unrepresentative reading as the patients discomfort could trigger cognitive responses to the real time situation.
what are ERPs
ERP’s are very small voltage changes in the brain triggered by specific events or stimuli which are measured using an EEG.
Measures small voltages of electrical activity when a stimulus is presented.
what are the strengths of ERPs
Non-invasive - No insertion of instruments no exposure to radiation – Virtually risk free and is avoidant of any danger to the brain itself.
what are the limitations of ERPs
- only monitors electrical activity in outer layers of the brain, therefore, cannot reveal electrical activity deep down in the brain
- poor spatial resolution
