ways of studying the brain

Question 1

what is a FMRI and how does it work?

Answer 1

• when task is being carried out specific areas of the brain become more active
• increased activity = increased need for oxygen
• Blood flow is increased as oxygen is delivered in red blood cells
• change in blood flow allows researchers to map which areas of the brain are involved in particular mental activity
  ● 3D image
  ● Tasks such as speaking, listening and movements can be tested with an fMRI

Question 2

what is EEG and how does it work?

Answer 2

● Measures electrical activity within the brain via electrodes using a skull cap
● The scan recording represents the brainwave patterns generated from millions of neurons → This shows overall brain activity
● epilepsy, tumours or sleep disorders

Question 3

what are ERP’s and how do they work?

Answer 3

● ERPS = Event-related potentials
● ERPs are types of brainwaves that are triggered by particular events
- Stimulus is presented many times to establish a response
- These responses are then averaged together
- Extraneous neural activity won’t occur consistently and will be cancelled out

Question 4

what are post-mortem examinations and how do they work?

Answer 4

● following their death
● Areas of the brain are examined to establish the likely cause of a deficit or a disorder that the person suffered with
- Researchers look for brain abnormalities that are not present in control groups to explain abnormal behaviour
- Brocas area