Studying the brain

• What are the four ways of studying the brain?

  fMRI

  EEG

  ERP

  Post-mortem
• What is the purpose of brain scanning is psychological research?

  Investigate localisation
• What does fMRI stand for?

  Functional magnetic resonance imaging
• What does ERP stand for?

  Event-related potentials
• How does fMRI work?

  Detecting changes in blood oxygenation and flow occurring as a result of neural activity
• What does fMRI produce?

  3D images showing which parts of the brain are involved in mental processes
• What happens when a brain area is more active?

  Consumes more oxygen, and blood flow is directed to the active area
• What does EEG stand for?

  Electroencephalogram
• What does an EEG measure?

  Electrical activity in the brain
• How does an EEG measure electrical activity in the brain?

  Electrodes fixed to scalp using skull cap
• What does a scan recording in EEGs represent?

  Brainwave patterns
• What do EEGs provide?

  An overall account of brain activity
• What are ERPs?

  Brainwaves triggered by particular events
• How does an ERP work?

  Electrophysiological response of brain to sensory, cognitive or motor event isolated through statistical analysis of EEG data
• When will a post-mortem be completed?

  After death
• In psychological research, who are likely to be subjected to post-mortem?

  Those with a rare disorder or unusual deficits in cognitive processes/behaviour
• What may a post-mortem also involve a comparison with?

  A neurotypical brain
• Why might a post-mortem involve a comparison with a neurotypical brain?

  Ascertain extent of difference