Ways Of Investigating The Brain

Question 1

What is fMRI

Answer 1

Detects changes in blood flow& oxygen levels in active brain areas so more blood flow is directed to the hameodynamic response, producing 3D images to show what parts of brain are involved in mental processes

Question 2

Strength and limitations of fMRI

Answer 2

+ risk free,non invasive
+ good resolution
- expensive
- patient has to be still

Question 3

What is EEG

Answer 3

Measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes on the scalp and shows brainwave patterns used for epilepsy and sleep disorders

Question 4

Strengths and limitations of EEG

Answer 4

+ diagnoses illnesses
+ contributes to understanding of sleep stages
+ very high temporal resolution
- info is often over generalised

Question 5

What is ERPS

Answer 5

like an EEG but more specific to sensory motor and cognitive events
Creates an event related brainwave that is only triggered by particular event

Question 6

Strengths and limitations of ERPS

Answer 6

+ precise measurements of cognitive functions
+ excellent temporal resolution
- lack of standardised methods difficult to compare
- poor spatial resolution

Question 7

What is post Mortem examinations

Answer 7

Examines brain after death, used on those with rare disorder, helps researchers establish cause of damage

Question 8

Strengths and limitations of post Morton examinations

Answer 8

+ early understanding of brain processes
+ improves medical knowledge
- correlations not causes
- ethical issues, consent