Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

fMRI Overview

• fMRI studies brain activity:
  • At rest (default network).
  • During specific activities (e.g., listening, watching, decision-making).
• Identifies specific brain activity by comparing at-rest and active brain images.
• A significant methodological advance in psychology.

fMRI Process

• Involves reclining in a large metal barrel.
• Participants can receive audio or visual stimuli during scanning.

Limitations & Considerations

• Often includes only right-handed individuals; handedness influences brain structure.
• fMRI findings are correlational, indicating association, not causation.

Special Applications

• Useful for examining cognitive activity in organisms that cannot verbally communicate, such as infants.