Ways Of Studying The Brain

Question 1

Describe FMRI scans

Answer 1

They produce 3D images which measure brain activity when a person is performing a task.
Increased neural activity results in regions of the brain becoming more rich in oxygen.
This technique allows us to see what areas of the brain are active during tasks & what areas of the brain are involved in particular mental processes.

Question 2

Evaluate this technique (FMRI)

Answer 2

Strengths: Straightforward
Risk Free, Non Invasive & has High spatial resolution

Weaknesses: Expensive, Low Temporal Resolution & it only measures blood flow activity not the activity of individual neurons.

Question 3

EEG’s

Answer 3

Used to measure electrical activity of brain cells &a the millions of neurones via elections placed on an individual’s head.
Brain wave patterns are generated from the activity.
This technique is useful in detecting brain disorders especially if there is unusual arrhythmic patterns of activity.

Question 4

Evaluate EEG’s

Answer 4

Strengths: Non Invasive, High Temporal Resolution, contributed to our understand of the sleep cycle

Weaknesses: Doesn’t pinpoint the exact source of neural activity.