Ways of Studying The Brain

Question 1

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI)

Answer 1

• Uses magnetic field and radio waves to monitor blood flow in the brain and blood oxygenation
• Provides a moving picture of the brain to map activity in regions of interest
• Measures the change in the energy released by haemoglobin which reflects activity of the brain
• More oxygen consumed = more activity in that area

Question 2

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 2

• A recording of general brain activity usually linked to states such as sleep and arousal
• Electrodes are put on the scalp and detect neuronal activity directly below where they are placed
• Recordings represent the brainwave patterns that are generated from the action of millions of neurons

Question 3

Event-Related potentials

Answer 3

• Types of brainwave that are triggered by particular events
• Research has revealed many different forms of ERP’s and how these are linked to cognitive processes such as attention and perception

Question 4

Post-Mortem examinations

Answer 4

• The analysis of a person’s brain following their death - those who have a rare disorder and have experienced unusual deficits in cognitive processes or behaviour in their lifetime
• This may involve comparisons with a neurotypical brain in order ti ascertain the extent of difference

Question 5

FMRI Strengths & Limitations

Answer 5

Strengths:
- It does not rely on the use of radiation - it is virtually risk free, non-invasive and straightforward to use
- Produces images that are very high quality - depicting detail by the millimetre and providing a clear picture to how the brain in localised

Limitations:
- It is expensive compared to other techniques
- Poor temporal resolution because there is a 5 second time lag behind the image on the screen and the initial firing of neuronal activity
- May not truly represent moment- to - moment brain activity