methodology

Question 1

what are the methods of bio psych?

Answer 1

1. twin and adoption studies
2. BRAIN SCANS
3. correlational research

Question 2

what are the strengths of CAT scans?

Answer 2

1. reveal abnormal structures in the brain (such as tumours + structural damage)
2. produce high quality images

Question 3

what is a CAT scan?

Answer 3

uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the brain which are taken at different angles

Question 4

what are the 3 weaknesses of CAT scans?

Answer 4

1. require more radiation that traditional X-RAYS which means there’s more exposure for the patient and so it cannot be used often

2.only provide structural information

3. doesn’t give information about activity meaning they have limited use in research linking brain areas to particular behaviours

Question 5

what is a PET scan?

Answer 5

measures the metabolic activity in the brain.
A person is injected with a glucose radiotracer and the brain areas which are more active use more of it and can be detected by the scanner

Question 6

what are the most active areas coloured in PET scans?

Answer 6

red or yellow

Question 7

what are the least active brain areas coloured in the PET scan?

Answer 7

blue

Question 8

what are the strengths of PET scans?

Answer 8

1. show brain in action which is useful for psychological research
2. indicates the specific areas of the brain that are involved in experience

Question 9

what are the weaknesses of PET SCANS?

Answer 9

1. results are not easy to interpret
2. precise location of active area is difficult to pinpoint
3. ethical issues to do with the injection of radioactive glucose, invasive procedure
4. only carry out once every 6 months

Question 10

what is an fMRI scan?

Answer 10

uses radio waves to measure blood oxygen levels in the brain.
The areas that are the most active use the most oxygen and therefore blood is directed to the active area (a haemodynamic response)
produces 3D imaging by a computer
(images are sliced)

Question 11

what are the strengths of fMRI scans?

Answer 11

1. very safe- doesn’t use radiation
2. images produced are extremely clear
3. show important information about which areas are being used at any one time

Question 12

what are the weaknesses of fMRI scans?

Answer 12

1. expensive to use
2. person must remain perfectly still
3. around a 5s time lag between the brain activity and the image appearing on the screen. Can cause problems when trying to interpret the information received