Brain Scans Flashcards
(13 cards)
What does ERP stand for?
Event Related Potential Scans
How do ERP scans work?
Use electrodes which measure how the brain responds to a sensory or cognitive stimulus e.g memory task. When neurons are busy processing information they emit electrical signals and the ERP is a record of the ongoing electrical activity in the brain. ERP scans were used in the brain-damaged case studies of HM and Clive Wearing
Strengths of ERP scans
Weakness of ERP scans
PET scans how it works?
Position Emission Tomography
-administer slightly radioactive glucose to the patient.
-Most active areas of the brain use glucose and therefore radiation detectors can detect radioactive areas therefore building a 3D picture of activity in the brain. Scan takes 10-40 mins to complete.
PET scans use in research
Used PET scans to compare brain differences between murderers and non-murderers
Strengths of PET scans
-reveals chemical information about the brain in action (a picture of activity.) Strength as it allows researchers to determine which part(s) of the brain control different behaviours.
Weakness of PET scans
Expose participants to radiation. Weakness because it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or in rare cases severe allergic reactions.
MRI stand for
Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
How do MRIs work?
Involve the use of a magnetic field that causes the atoms of the brain to change their alignment when the magnet is on and emit various radio signals when the magnet is turned off. A detector reads their signals and uses them to map the structure of the brain.
Use of MRI’s in research
Strengths of MRIs
Provide a very detailed picture of the Brian by taking multiple images as they move across the brain. This is a strength as it allows the researcher to determine which part or parts of the brain relate to different behaviours.
Weaknesses of MRIs’
Can take up to 90 minutes to complete and involve participants being kept in confided conditions. Weaknesses as participants may suffer from claustrophobia or be uncomfortable during the prolonged procedure.
