Brain Scanning Techniques

Question 1

What is a fMRI (haemodynamic response)

Answer 1

its an active processes which requires oxygen as it uses energy to detect changes in blood flow
Slow time resolution

Question 2

What is an EEG scan

Answer 2

A scan which measures electrical activity using electrodes which are placed on a scalp
It can help treat disorders e.g. epilepsy

Question 3

What is an ERP scan (noise)

Answer 3

This deletes any background noise to focus on something specific e.g. listening to a conversation when there is a distraction of sounds in the background
Uses an averaging technique
Instant

Question 4

What is a Post Mortem

Answer 4

Looks at the brain after death
It helps to treat disorders and it also helps to study unusual behaviours in the brain

Question 5

What is an advantage for fMRI (Danger)

Answer 5

Non-invasive
It does not have a lot of radiation so it is not as dangerous
It is accurate in showing which parts of the brain are most active

Question 6

What are disadvantages for fMRI

Answer 6

Very Expensive
Poor Temporal Resolution. There is a 5 second delay between the image appearing and brain activity

Question 7

What are advantages for EEG

Answer 7

Excellent Temporal Resolution
Can help treat disorders e.g Epilepsy
Can check brain activities that happened for a long period of time
Cheap

Question 8

Whats a disadvantage for EEG

Answer 8

Its not good at exactly showing where in the brain activity comes from

Question 9

Whats an advantage for ERP

Answer 9

Excellent Temporal Resolution

Question 10

Whats a disadvantage for ERP

Answer 10

Lack of Standardisation

Question 11

Whats a disadvantage for Post Mortem

Answer 11

Informed Consent