Ways Of Studying The Brain- fMRI Scans AO3

Question 1

✅ Why is fMRI considered a safe and appropriate method for studying brain activity?

Answer 1

Unlike techniques such as PET, fMRI does not use radiation. When used correctly, it is non-invasive, virtually risk-free, and straightforward, making it suitable for repeated use and a wide range of participants.

Question 2

✅ How does fMRI allow researchers to study brain function dynamically?

Answer 2

fMRI produces moving images of brain activity, enabling researchers to compare patterns of activity over time rather than only examining static structures. This makes it ideal for studying how different brain regions interact during cognitive tasks.

Question 3

❌ Why does fMRI have poor temporal resolution, and what does this mean?

Answer 3

There is about a 5-second delay between neuronal activity and the detection of changes in blood flow. This lag means fMRI may not accurately capture real-time brain activity and is less effective for studying fast cognitive processes.

Question 4

❌ What are the financial limitations of fMRI?

Answer 4

fMRI is an expensive technique both in terms of equipment and running costs. It requires specialised facilities, making it less accessible and often leading to small sample sizes, which limits generalisability.

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