biological psychology - contemporary brain research methods

Question 1

EEG (electroencephalography)

Answer 1

device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity of the brain. noninvasive, easily accessible & nonexpensive. however is limited by not being able to localise activity, electrical signals must travel through skull reducing strength of signal

Question 2

CT scan (computerised tomography)

Answer 2

uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body. relatively quick, painless & noninvasive. however incite radiation and only shows structures, not functions

Question 3

MRI (magnetic resonance imagery)

Answer 3

provides a three dimensional image that is clearer and more detailed then CT scans. non-invasive and has no known health risks. disadvantaged by only showing brain structure not functions, and person must lie very still during tests, negative for children & claustrophobes

Question 4

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)

Answer 4

enables the identification of active brain areas by detecting changes in the blood-oxygen levels flowing through a functional brain. non-invasive, does not require radiation exposure. limited by being expensive to run & maintain, bad for claustrophobes