Ways of studying the brain Flashcards
A2 content
What does FMRI stand for?
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
How does an FMRI work?
Detects changes in blood oxygenation that occurs due to neural activity in brain.
If you want to study areas of the brain active during tasks which scan would you use?
FMRI
Which technique is used to investigate the brain after death?
Post mortem
In what case would you use a post-mortem?
For cases where individuals have had serious/rare brain disorders during life etc.
What does EEG stand for?
Electroencephalogram.
What does an EEG do?
Measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes.
Why might you use an EEG?
Epilepsy, sleep disorders, tumours etc.
Difference between synchronised and de-synchronised patterns on EEG?
Synchronised pattern= alpha, beta, theta (pattern can be detected).
De-synchronised pattern (no pattern can be detected).
How has an EEG helped us?
Stages of sleep, disorders etc.
What is an issue with an EEG?
The brainwaves are too generalised (not specific).
What is an ERP?
Event Related Potential.
Why do we used Event Related Potential?
Uses statistical averaging technique to remove all other brain waves except for the specific one you want to look at.
Which scanning techniques have good spatial resolution?
FMRI and Post Mortem
Which scanning techniques have the best temporal resolution?
EEG, ERPs.
