Neuroscience Research Methods + Strengths & Limitations

EEG (electroencephalography)

Measures electrical activity using electrodes placed on scalp. Measures post-synaptic potential or membrane potential - show as waves.

+ non-invasive and inexpensive, with good timing precision

- poor spatial resolution and precision, very surface level activity shown as waves.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

3D brain structure scan made from magnetic field, shows blood vessels while resting.

+ non-invasive, highly detailed spatial resolution.

- expensive, cannot show live activity

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)

Tracks blood oxygenation changes while doing an activity --> blood flow linked to LIVE brain activity made from neural activity.

+ very good spatial resolution, non-invasive, deep brain activity, can track tumors or post-concussion syndrome.

- expensive, and slower timing than EEG

PET (positron emission tomography)

Use radioactive tracers (sugar) to measure brain cells' metabolic activity from

+ show live activity, measures cells activity function, can

- lower resolution, invasive from injecting radiation into blood vessel.

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)

a treatment that involves placing a powerful pulsed magnet over a person's scalp, which alters neuronal activity in the brain to specifically stimulate activity in a specific location.

+ non-invasive and long-lasting treatment to depression, patient can return to daily activity immediately.

- might be costly

Lesion Study

Researchers destroy/remove brain areas in animals and examine the resulting behavioral deficits

+ identify functions based on damages to specific reasons

- ethical concerns

Histology

Microscopic study of brain tissues

+ observe microscopic level of cellular structure.

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Rat Models

Experimenting on rats

+ Study a variety of topics: learning, behavior, memory, brain functions

- Ethical concerns about animal welfare.