brain scanning

• fMRI

  -measures the change in blood flow & oxygenation via brain activity

  -active parts of the brain have more oxygen (haemodynamic response)

  -3D images are created to show what parts of the brain are being used during different mental processes
• EEG

  -measures electrical activity in the brain

  -used to detect neuronal abnormalities

  -place electrodes on the scalp, via a skull cap, to detect electrical changes

  -EEGs are done when people are in a resting state
• ERP

  -measures neuronal responses to specific events

  -detect brainwave patterns

  -statistical averaging techniques are used

  -any extraneous brain activity is removed, responses are isolated. Data relevant to the stimulus shown to people is looked at, other data from EEG is disregarded
• post mortem

  -analysis of the brain after death

  -done on people who had different neuronal/mental disorders, these brains are then compared to neurotypical brains

  -the brain is removed (by pathologists), examined for damaged areas
• fMRI - AO3

  Strength(s):

  -good spatial resolution: accurate detection of changes in brain activity. Valid.

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -only looks at blood/activity levels. Does not explain what the activity means. Lacks use.
• EEG - AO3

  Strength(s):

  -clinical use: helps diagnose diseases like epilepsy. Helps psych achieve its aim. Practical application.

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -poor spatial resolution. Shows that there is activity but does not point exactly where this is. Decreases the use/validity as may think the activity is something it is not.
• ERP - AO3

  Strength(s):

  -very small time delay, good temporal resolution. Increases validity.

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -answers limited question. Can only be done when a stimulus is present. Decreases use.
• post mortem -AO3

  Strength(s):

  -help understand different disorders. Increased the anatomical understanding of the brain e.g., schizophrenia. Has use.

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -confounding variables. If there is a prolonged period between death and examination of brain some things in the brain may have changed. Post mortems may not get valid result.