EEG

Question 1

what is EEG?

Answer 1

EEG measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes attached to the scalp. It records brainwave patterns generated by groups of neurons firing. EEG is particularly useful for studying states of consciousness (e.g., sleep stages) and diagnosing neurological conditions like epilepsy.

Question 2

strength- High temporal resolution

Answer 2

detecting neural activity changes within milliseconds - allows researchers to track rapid brain responses to stimuli in real time. As a result, EEG is valuable for studying dynamic cognitive processes like attention and perception. This makes it more appropriate than fMRI for examining the timing of brain events.

Question 3

weakness- Poor spatial resolution

Answer 3

EEG provides only a general overview of activity in the outer cortex and cannot pinpoint exact locations of brain function. It cannot detect deeper brain structures or isolate specific neural sources = limited in identifying precise brain regions involved in complex tasks. This restricts its usefulness in localisation-based research.

Question 4

strength- Useful in clinical diagnosis

Answer 4

EEG is widely used to detect abnormal brain activity patterns in conditions like epilepsy. It helps identify the type and origin of seizures, aiding in treatment planning. Its ability to capture unusual spikes or disruptions in brainwaves makes it a valuable diagnostic tool. This highlights its practical application in medical settings.

Question 5

weakness- Prone to noise and external disruptions

Answer 5

EEG signals can be affected by external noise, such as muscle movement or eye blinks. This can distort the data and make interpretation more difficult. As a result, researchers must carefully clean and analyse EEG recordings. This technical challenge can limit reliability and validity in certain experimental contexts.