AP Psychology - Brain Scans

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain's surface. These waves are measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.

computed tomography (CT) scan

a series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body.

Position Emmission Tomography (PET)

a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue

allows us to see structures within the brain

Function MRI (fMRI)

a technique for revealing the blood flow and brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans. Shows brain functional well as its structure