6 - ways of studying the brain

4 ways to study the brain

fMRI - functional magnetic resonance imaging

EEG - electroencephalogram

ERP - event related potentials

Post Mortem Examinations

fMRI - functional magnetic resonance imaging

detects the changes in blood oxygenation and blood flow as a person performs a task

» when a brain area is more active it consumes more oxygen hence increased blood flow

» 3D image showing which parts of the brain are involved in mental processes

fMRI strengths + weaknesses

:) high spatial resolution, depicts details by mm providing indepth image

:) does not use radiation, safe

:( poor temporal resolution, 5s time lag between activity and image cannot detect real time brain activity

:( expensive

EEG - electroencephalogram

measures electrical activity in the brain via electrodes strapped to the scalp

EEG strengths + weaknesses

:) high temporal resolution, detects brain activity in milliseconds of occuring, in real time

:) useful for identify medical conditions e.g. epilepsy and to research brain states e.g. REM

:( poor spatial resolution, cannot pinpoint the exact source of neural activity less useful for localisation

ERP - event related potentials

ERPs are brainwaves triggered by a specific event which are found by analysing EEG data to find the brain responses to specific sensory, cognitive or motor events

ERP strength + weakness

:) very useful in measuring cognitive functions

:( for pure data background noises must be eliminated to prevent it interfering with behaviour - hard to achieve

Post mortem examinations

analysing a persons brain after death to examine areas of damage or structural abnormalities to establish the likely cause

Post Mortem strength + weakness

:) provided foundational knowledge for understanding key processes in the brain which has led to development of diagnosis

:( ethical issues patients may have given informed consent prior

strength for all 4 methods

scientific method for studying the brain - findings are accurate