Ways of studying the brain

Question 1

Identify two methods that are used to investigate localisation of function in the brain?

Answer 1

• Post -mortem and FMRI’s

Question 2

Which method of studying the brain would most accurately identify specific brain areas activated during a cognitive task?

Answer 2

FMRI

Question 3

What is a feature of functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI)?

Answer 3

• indirectly measures the electrical activity of neurons by recording changes in brain blood flow

Question 4

Outline one difference between the EEG and ERPs?

Answer 4

-EEG measure overall brain activity by showing the electrical patterns over time
-ERP measure brain responses to specific stimuli/events, reflecting the timing of processing

Question 5

What is a post-mortem?

Answer 5

-establishes the physical, anatomical structure of the brain following death
-often conducted on individuals who showed a particular behaviour whilst alive- suggesting brain damage
-researcher can examine brain for abnormalities compared to a ‘normal’ brain

Question 6

What is a FMRI?

Answer 6

• functional magnetic resonance imaging
  -image parts of the brain that become active during mental processes
  -measures blood flow in brain using radio waves and a magnetic field

Question 7

Strengths of post mortem?

Answer 7

-allows research without inflicting any harm
-can help confirm a diagnosis
-able to see deeper structures of the brain

Question 8

Strengths of FMRI?

Answer 8

-non-invasive and doesn’t involve radiation, making it safe for subject
-has excellent spatial resolution
-easy for experimenter to use

Question 9

Weaknesses of post mortem?

Answer 9

-cant study brain function
-cant compare measurements to the living brain
-not many people would consent to donating their brain

Question 10

Weaknesses of FMRI?

Answer 10

-expensive compared to other techniques and can only capture a clear image if the person stays still
-poor temporal resolution because of a 5 second lag between initial neural activity and image
-may not truly represent moment to moment brain activity

Question 11

Explain one difference and one similarity between FMRI and ERPs as ways of studying the brain?

Answer 11

-FMRI measures brain activity indirectly by detecting blood flow changes
-ERPs measure brain activity directly by recording electrical signals from the scalp
-both are non-invasive techniques

Question 12

Identify and explain one methodological issue which might arise when using EEGs to investigate localisation of function in the brain?

Answer 12

-EEGs have a poor spatial resolution
-it is difficult to pinpoint the exact location of brain activity due to signal distortion as it travels through the skull and scalp