Ways of Investigating the Brain Flashcards
what 4 ways are there for investigating the brain?
functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI
electroencephalogram EEG
event-related potentials ERPs
post-mortem examinations
what do fMRI’s do?
detect changes in blood oxygenation and flow as result of neural activity in the brain
what happens when an area in the brain is more active during fMRIs?
increased demand of oxygen, so blood flow is directed to the area
what is it called when blood flow is directed towards and active area in fMRIs?
haemodynamic response
what do fMRIs produce?
3D images showing which parts of the brain are involved in a particular mental process, having important implications for understanding` of localisation of function
what do EEGs measure?
electrical activity within the brain through electrodes fixed to someone’s skull on a skull cap
what does the scan recording during EEGs represent?
brainwave patterns that are generated from actions of neurons, providing overall account of activity in the brain
how are EEGs often used?
by clinicians as a tool for unusual arrhythmic patterns of activity which can indicate neurological abnormalities such as epilepsy, tumours or disorders of sleep
what are ERPs?
statistical averaging done on EEGs leaving responses that relate to specific stimulus or task
ERPs are defined as…
types of brainwave triggered by particular events
post-mortem examinations are…
a technique involving the analysis of person’s brain after their death
who are the individuals who are subject to a post-mortem?
those with a rare disorder and experienced unusual deficits in mental processes or behaviour during their lifetime
what can post-mortem examinations consider?
a comparison with a neurotypical brain to see the extent of different in areas of damage afflicted
strengths of fMRIs
+ radiation free
+ risk and invasion free, making it straightforward to use
+ resolution, high spatial resolution, shows by mm showing localisation
weaknesses of fMRIs
ROT
-really expensive comp to other tech, perfect image if still
-only measure blood flow, don’t know real meaning
-temporal resolution is low as 5 sec lag
