Ways of studying the brain

Question 1

What are the three main methods of studying the brain?

Answer 1

Post-mortem examinations, EEGs and ERPs, and scanning

Question 2

How do EEGs and ERPs work?

Answer 2

Use electrodes to measure brain activity

Question 3

What are the four scanning methods?

Answer 3

MRI, fMRI, PET and CAT

Question 4

How do MRI scans work?

Answer 4

Uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to record vibrations from atomic nuclei within neurons, which allows a blood oxygen-level response to be taken which shows the blood flow to different areas of the brain

Question 5

How do fMRI scans work?

Answer 5

Records the energy released by haemoglobin because haemoglobin behaves differently when it is carrying oxygen so when a brain area is active (and using more oxygen) the difference in the amount of energy released by the haemoglobin is measured by the scanner and creates an image within a second after the activity

Question 6

How do PET scans work?

Answer 6

Involves injecting a radioactive substance (usually glucose) into the bloodstream, where it travels to the brain to be used as an energy source by neurons. The glucose emits radioactive particles that are picked up by sensors placed on the head

Question 7

How do CAT scans work?

Answer 7

Uses X-rays to form a three dimensional static picture of the brain