Ways Of Investigating The Brain Flashcards
What is fMRI
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
Strength and limitations of fMRI
+ risk free,non invasive
+ good resolution
- expensive
- patient has to be still
What is EEG
Measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes on the scalp and shows brainwave patterns used for epilepsy and sleep disorders
Strengths and limitations of EEG
+ diagnoses illnesses
+ contributes to understanding of sleep stages
+ very high temporal resolution
- info is often over generalised
What is ERPS
like an EEG but more specific to sensory motor and cognitive events
Creates an event related brainwave that is only triggered by particular event
Strengths and limitations of ERPS
+ precise measurements of cognitive functions
+ excellent temporal resolution
- lack of standardised methods difficult to compare
- poor spatial resolution
What is post Mortem examinations
Examines brain after death, used on those with rare disorder, helps researchers establish cause of damage
Strengths and limitations of post Morton examinations
+ early understanding of brain processes
+ improves medical knowledge
- correlations not causes
- ethical issues, consent