Ways of studying the brain Flashcards
1
Q
FMRI
A
- Detects changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occurs as a result of neural activity in specific parts of the brain where a brain area is more active it consumes more oxygen which blood flow then gets directed to the active area.
- 3 dimensional images of bloodflow
- Unlike PET it does not rely on radiation, RIsk free and non invasive. High spatial resolution, Clear images
- More expensive, requires stillness. poor temporal resolution cannot hone in
2
Q
EEG
A
- Measures electrical activity within brain via electrons that are fixed to individuals scalp using skull cap. Scans represent brain wave patterns that are generated from action of millions of neurons providing overall account of brain activity . - Used by clinicians as diagnostic tool, unusual arythmic pattern may indicate neurological abnormalities.
- Invaluable at diagnosing such as epilepsy. Led to stages of sleep understanding. detect activity of resolution of a single millisecond
- generalised nature of info recieved not pinpointing technique. Cannot distinguish between activity in different but adjacent areas
3
Q
ERP
A
- Uses statistical averaging technique. All extraneous brain activity from original EEG is filtered out leaving only relevant.
- Left is event related potential brainwave triggered by paticular event
- high temporal resolution when compared to FMRIs. Widespread use in measuring cognitive functions and deficits
-lack of standardisation between research studies. dificult to confirm
4
Q
Post mortems
A
- Analyse a persons brain after death. likley to be those with rare disorders and experienced unusual deficits in mental processes or behaviour during lifetime. Distinguish likely cause of affliction.
- foundation for providing early understanding of Brocas and Weirnickes area. Used to improve medical knowledge and help generate hypothesis for further studies
- consent of the dead, HM was not able to. Causation, observed damage may be linked to deficits under review.
