Ways of investigating the brain Flashcards

1
Q

fMRI - (Functional magnetic resonance imaging)

A

Works by detecting the changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occur as a result of neural (brain) activity in specific parts of the brain.

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2
Q

2 strengths of fMRI’s

A
  • Does not rely on the use of radiation
  • Produces high quality images, depicting detail by mm
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3
Q

2 weaknesses of fMRI’s

A
  • Expensive
  • Can only take a clear image if a person stays perfectly still
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4
Q

EEG - (Electroencephalogram)

A

Measures electrical activity within the brain via electrodes that are fixed to an individual’s scalp using a skull cap.

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5
Q

2 strengths of EEG’s

A
  • High temporal resolution
  • Can accurately detect brain activity at a resolution of a single millisecond.
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6
Q

2 weaknesses of EEG’s

A
  • Generalised nature of information received.
  • Not useful for pinpointing the exact source of neural activity.
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7
Q

ERP - (Event-related potentials)

A

The measured brain response that is the direct result of a specific sensory, cognitive, or motor event.

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8
Q

2 strengths of ERP’s

A
  • High temporal resolution
  • Can measure the brain’s electrical activity directly, making it more efficient
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9
Q

2 weaknesses of ERP’s

A
  • Lack of standardisation
  • Needs silence, which is sometime difficult to achieve
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10
Q

Post-mortem examination

A

Brain is analysed after death. Areas of damage within the brain are examined after death as a means of establishing the likely cause of harm.

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11
Q

2 strengths of post mortem examinations

A
  • Vital in providing a foundation for early understanding of key processes in the brain. E.g. Broca’s and Wernicke’s area.
  • Improves medical knowledge and helps generate hypotheses for further study.
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