Brain Scanning Techniques

Question 1

How does a pet scan work

Answer 1

A radioactive Glucose tracer injected into blood stream
Active brain areas, with a higher glucose metabolism absorb the tracer
Areas with higher activity appear as bright areas on the scan
This allows for researchers to observe metabolic activity
-Rain et al found lower activity in prefrontal cortex of murders compared to controls

Question 2

How does fmri work

Answer 2

-measures blood oxygen levels in areas of brain
-more oxygenated blood=more active
-produces a 3d image of real time bran activity

> gospic et al used fmri to show heightened amygdala activity when ppts responded aggressively to provocation
shows how emotional brain regions relate to aggression

Question 3

EEG scans

Answer 3

Electrodes-record electrical activity are placed on top of scalp
Defect brain waves/patterns
—> measure brain impulsivity which is often present in aggressive individuals