Ways of studying the brain
1. FMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)
2. EEG (electroencephalogram)
3. EPRs (event- related potentials)
4. Post-mortem (autopsy)
FMRI
Modified version of MRI
It works by detecting the changes in the oxygen content of the blood and
blood flow that occurs as a result of neural (brain) activity in specific parts of
the brain
When a particular area of the brain is more active it will consume more
oxygen to meet this increased demand.
The brain responds to this extra demand by directing blood flow to the active
area – the haemodynamic response.
An fMRI produces 3D images and shows that brain areas become activated
during a particular mental activity e.g., a memory test and attention test.
This has allowed us to further understand localization of function.
EVALUATION
S – fMRI is noninvasive (it does not involve the insertion of instruments into the body),
nor does it expose the brain to potentially harmful radiation, as is the case with other
scanning techniques used in the study of the brain.
It also offers a more objective and reliable measure of psychological process than is
possible with verbal reports. It is a useful way of investigating psychological
phenomena that people would not be capable of providing in verbal reports.
W – Because fMRI measures changes in blood flow in the brain, then it is not a direct
measure of neural activity in particular brain areas. This means it is not a truly
quantitative measure of mental activity in these brain areas.
Critics argue that fMRI overlooks the networked nature of brain activity, as it focuses
only on localized activity in the brain.
EEG
This records the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes attached to
the scalp using a skull cap.
These electrodes measure the average activity at any moment from the action
of millions of neurons, providing an overall account of brain activity.
The output is then amplified and recorded.
This device can record spontaneous brain activity, or activity in response
to a stimulus, the results are called evoke potentials or evoked
responses.
EEG records the amplitude (size/intensity of activity) and frequency
(speed/quantity of activity)
1. FMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)
2. EEG (electroencephalogram)
3. EPRs (event- related potentials)
4. Post-mortem (autopsy)
FMRI
Modified version of MRI
It works by detecting the changes in the oxygen content of the blood and
blood flow that occurs as a result of neural (brain) activity in specific parts of
the brain
When a particular area of the brain is more active it will consume more
oxygen to meet this increased demand.
The brain responds to this extra demand by directing blood flow to the active
area – the haemodynamic response.
An fMRI produces 3D images and shows that brain areas become activated
during a particular mental activity e.g., a memory test and attention test.
This has allowed us to further understand localization of function.
EVALUATION
S – fMRI is noninvasive (it does not involve the insertion of instruments into the body),
nor does it expose the brain to potentially harmful radiation, as is the case with other
scanning techniques used in the study of the brain.
It also offers a more objective and reliable measure of psychological process than is
possible with verbal reports. It is a useful way of investigating psychological
phenomena that people would not be capable of providing in verbal reports.
W – Because fMRI measures changes in blood flow in the brain, then it is not a direct
measure of neural activity in particular brain areas. This means it is not a truly
quantitative measure of mental activity in these brain areas.
Critics argue that fMRI overlooks the networked nature of brain activity, as it focuses
only on localized activity in the brain.
EEG
This records the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes attached to
the scalp using a skull cap.
These electrodes measure the average activity at any moment from the action
of millions of neurons, providing an overall account of brain activity.
The output is then amplified and recorded.
This device can record spontaneous brain activity, or activity in response
to a stimulus, the results are called evoke potentials or evoked
responses.
EEG records the amplitude (size/intensity of activity) and frequency
(speed/quantity of activity)
