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Introduction
Cognitive neuroscience focuses on how the brain supports human thought and behaviour. It draws
on psychology, biology and neuroscience to explain mental processes such as learning, memory,
attention, emotions and decision-making. Developments in neuroscience have made it possible to
study these processes by looking at changes in brain structure and activity.
Different neuroimaging methods provide different types of information. Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), for example, can provide detailed pictures of brain structures, while positron
emission tomography (PET) can be used to examine metabolic activity and certain chemical
processes within the brain. Using these techniques together can provide a broader understanding of
how changes in the brain may relate to cognitive functioning (Catana et al., 2012).
Memory is one of the major areas studied in cognitive neuroscience. Remembering information
depends on a number of processes and brain structures working together. The hippocampus and
other parts of the medial temporal lobe have been shown to play an important role in the formation
of new memories (Squire & Wixted, 2011).
Neuroscience also provides insight into motivation, reward and social behaviour. Brain regions such
as the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus interact with chemical systems involving dopamine,
serotonin and oxytocin. These interactions can influence how people respond to rewards and social
experiences.
Question 1: MRI Versus PET and Hypothesised Findings
MRI and PET are both useful tools for examining the brain, although they are designed to provide
different types of information. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images
of body tissues. In neuroscience, it is especially useful for examining the physical structure of the
brain and identifying possible abnormalities.
One advantage of MRI is its ability to provide detailed anatomical information without using
ionising radiation. Researchers can therefore examine areas of the brain and compare their size,
shape and structure. Functional MRI can also be used to examine changes associated with brain
activity while a person performs a particular task.
PET provides a different type of information. A small amount of a radioactive tracer is introduced
into the body, after which the scanner detects how the tracer is distributed. Depending on the tracer
being used, PET can provide information about glucose metabolism, blood flow or specific
molecular processes. It is therefore useful when the focus is on physiological activity rather than
only brain anatomy (Catana et al., 2012).
The difference between the two techniques means that they can complement one another. MRI can
show what the brain looks like, while PET can provide information about what is happening within
the brain at a metabolic or molecular level. Combining the two approaches can therefore provide a
more detailed picture of neurological functioning.
Introduction
Cognitive neuroscience focuses on how the brain supports human thought and behaviour. It draws
on psychology, biology and neuroscience to explain mental processes such as learning, memory,
attention, emotions and decision-making. Developments in neuroscience have made it possible to
study these processes by looking at changes in brain structure and activity.
Different neuroimaging methods provide different types of information. Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), for example, can provide detailed pictures of brain structures, while positron
emission tomography (PET) can be used to examine metabolic activity and certain chemical
processes within the brain. Using these techniques together can provide a broader understanding of
how changes in the brain may relate to cognitive functioning (Catana et al., 2012).
Memory is one of the major areas studied in cognitive neuroscience. Remembering information
depends on a number of processes and brain structures working together. The hippocampus and
other parts of the medial temporal lobe have been shown to play an important role in the formation
of new memories (Squire & Wixted, 2011).
Neuroscience also provides insight into motivation, reward and social behaviour. Brain regions such
as the nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus interact with chemical systems involving dopamine,
serotonin and oxytocin. These interactions can influence how people respond to rewards and social
experiences.
Question 1: MRI Versus PET and Hypothesised Findings
MRI and PET are both useful tools for examining the brain, although they are designed to provide
different types of information. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images
of body tissues. In neuroscience, it is especially useful for examining the physical structure of the
brain and identifying possible abnormalities.
One advantage of MRI is its ability to provide detailed anatomical information without using
ionising radiation. Researchers can therefore examine areas of the brain and compare their size,
shape and structure. Functional MRI can also be used to examine changes associated with brain
activity while a person performs a particular task.
PET provides a different type of information. A small amount of a radioactive tracer is introduced
into the body, after which the scanner detects how the tracer is distributed. Depending on the tracer
being used, PET can provide information about glucose metabolism, blood flow or specific
molecular processes. It is therefore useful when the focus is on physiological activity rather than
only brain anatomy (Catana et al., 2012).
The difference between the two techniques means that they can complement one another. MRI can
show what the brain looks like, while PET can provide information about what is happening within
the brain at a metabolic or molecular level. Combining the two approaches can therefore provide a
more detailed picture of neurological functioning.
