Ways of Studying the Brain

Question 1

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Answer 1

A method used to measure brain activity while a person is performing a task. It detects radio waves from changing magnetic fields. This enables researchers to detect which regions of the brain are rich in oxygen and therefore active.

Question 2

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 2

A record of tiny electrical impulses produced by the brain’s activity. By measuring characteristic wave patterns, the EEG can help diagnose certain conditions of the brain.

Question 3

Event-related potentials (ERPs)

Answer 3

The electrophysiological response of the brain to a specific sensory, cognitive, or motor event can be isolated through statistical analysis of EEG

Question 4

Post-mortem examinations

Answer 4

The brain is analysed after death to determine whether certain observed behaviours during the person’s lifetime can be linked to structural abnormalities in the brain

Question 5

Temporal resolution

Answer 5

The accuracy of the scanner in relation to time i.e., how quickly the scanner can detect changes in brain activity

Question 6

Spatial resolution

Answer 6

The smallest feature (or measurement) that a scanner can detect.