Ways of studying the brain

Question 1

FMRI (functional magnetic reasoning imaging)

Answer 1

A method used to measure brain activity while a person is performing a task. This enables researchers to detect which regions of the brain are rich in oxygen and are thus acting

Question 2

Strength of FMRI 1

Answer 2

can be used to measure activity in a living brain without causing any harm

Question 3

Strength of FMRI 2

Answer 3

it is more objective than relying on verbal interpretations of psychological processes.
less subjective, more valid and accurate

Question 4

limitation of FMRI 1

Answer 4

doesnt measure neural activity directly so findings can be misinterpreted

Question 5

limitation of FMRI 2

Answer 5

overlooks the networked nature of brain activity which can be argued to be more important than localize of functions

Question 6

EEG (electroencephalogram)

Answer 6

a record of the tiny electrical impulses produced by the brains activity. by measuring characteristic wave patterns, the EEG can help diagnose certain conditions of the brain

Question 7

strength of EEG 1

Answer 7

records brain activity in real time allowing researchers to accurately record and explore responses to tasks.

Question 8

strength of EEG 2

Answer 8

strong real life application. used regularly for the diagnosis of a variety of clinical conditions including epileptic seizures which give characteristic EEG spikes,

Question 9

limitation of EEG 1

Answer 9

cannot detect activity in deeper regions of the brain such as the hippocampus

Question 10

limitation of EEG 2

Answer 10

cannot pinpoint exact sources of activity as electrodes detect electrical activity from overlapping areas. therefore only provides a general picture of the activity on the surface level of the brain

Question 11

ESP (event related potentials)

Answer 11

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

Question 12

strength of ERP 1

Answer 12

provide a continuous measure of the brain’s response to stimuli pinpointed to specifically localized area of the brain providing substantial quantitative data

Question 13

strength of ERP 2

Answer 13

measure brain responses without the need for behavioural responses or speech. researchers can therefore covertly monitor responses

Question 14

limitation of ERP 1

Answer 14

can require multiple repetitions to gain meaningful data. This in turns takes substantial time and cost

Question 15

limitation of ERP 2

Answer 15

only record voltage changes in superficial brain areas so only events in the neocortex are measureable

Question 16

post mortem examination

Answer 16

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

Question 17

strength of post mortem 1

Answer 17

brain tissue can be investigated in depth without time constraints, allowing structures both on the other regions and depths of the brain to be studied

Question 18

strength of post mortem 2

Answer 18

changes in neurotransmitter levels can be associated exploring the impact of such differences on life alterating conditions such as schizophrenia

Question 19

limitation of post mortem 1

Answer 19

the use of drugs and other substances can effect brain tissue meaning there is not always certainty in attributing causality

Question 20

limitation of post mortem 2

Answer 20

there is no possibility to test or explore cognitive functions. All investigation is retrospective