ways of investigating the brain

• FMRI

  strengths

  • does not rely on use of radiation
  • non invasive
  • straightforward to use
  • high spatial resolution which provides a clear picture of how brain activity is localised
• FMRI


  weaknesses

  • expensive
  • patient has to remain incredibly still for a clear picture
  • poor temporal resolution as there is a lag between image and initial firing of neuronal activity
  • only measure blood flow so can not focus in on individual neurons
• EEG


  strengths

  • can be used to diagnose conditions such as epilepsy
  • has contributed to understanding stages of sleep - ultradian rhythms
  • high temporal resolution - resolution is around a millisecond
• EEG

  weaknesses

  • generalised nature of information received makes it hard to pinpoint the exact source of neural activity
• ERP


  strengths

  • more specific measurements of neural processes
  • high temporal resolution
  • used to measure cognitive functions and deficits
• ERP


  weaknesses

  • lack of standardisation of methodology between different research studies makes it hard to confirm findings
  • in order to publish pure data background noise and extraneous material must be completely eliminated which is not easy to achieve
• post mortem examinations 


  strengths

  • improve medical knowledge and help generate hypotheses
  • broca and wernickes used this to establish links between language, behaviour and the brain
  • provide a foundation for the early understanding of key processes in the brain
• post mortem examinations


  weaknesses

  • issue of causation, may be other factors such as trauma or decay
  • ethical issues of informed consent e.g case study of HM