methodology Flashcards
(12 cards)
what are the methods of bio psych?
- twin and adoption studies
- BRAIN SCANS
- correlational research
what are the strengths of CAT scans?
- reveal abnormal structures in the brain (such as tumours + structural damage)
- produce high quality images
what is a CAT scan?
uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the brain which are taken at different angles
what are the 3 weaknesses of CAT scans?
- 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
- doesn’t give information about activity meaning they have limited use in research linking brain areas to particular behaviours
what is a PET scan?
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
what are the most active areas coloured in PET scans?
red or yellow
what are the least active brain areas coloured in the PET scan?
blue
what are the strengths of PET scans?
- show brain in action which is useful for psychological research
- indicates the specific areas of the brain that are involved in experience
what are the weaknesses of PET SCANS?
- results are not easy to interpret
- precise location of active area is difficult to pinpoint
- ethical issues to do with the injection of radioactive glucose, invasive procedure
- only carry out once every 6 months
what is an fMRI scan?
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)
what are the strengths of fMRI scans?
- very safe- doesn’t use radiation
- images produced are extremely clear
- show important information about which areas are being used at any one time
what are the weaknesses of fMRI scans?
- expensive to use
- person must remain perfectly still
- 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
