Ways of investigating the brain

• What are the main methods of investigating the brain?

  Localisation, plasticity, scanning techniques
• What is the role of Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas?

  They are involved in language processing
• What does split brain research investigate?

  Hemispheric lateralisation and function localisation
• What is brain plasticity?

  The brain's ability to adapt after trauma
• What are the types of biological rhythms?

  Circadian, infradian, ultradian
• What influences the sleep/wake cycle?

  Endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers
• What is a strength of post-mortem examinations?

  Investigates deeper brain regions
• What is a limitation of post-mortem examinations?

  Changes after death complicate results
• What is a strength of EEGs?

  High temporal resolution
• What is a limitation of EEGs?

  Poor spatial resolution
• What is a strength of ERPs?

  Cheaper than fMRIs
• What is a limitation of ERPs?

  Lack of standardisation in methodology
• What is a strength of fMRIs?

  High spatial resolution
• What is a limitation of fMRIs?

  Low temporal resolution
• Compare EEGs and ERPs.

  • EEGs record general brain activity
  • ERPs are linked to specific stimuli
• Compare fMRIs and ERPs.

  Differences:

  • fMRIs have poor temporal resolution
  • fMRIs have good spatial resolution
  • fMRIs provide indirect measures of activity
  • fMRIs measure blood oxygenation changes
  • ERPs measure electrical activity via electrodes

  
  

  Similarities:

  • Both are non-invasive
  • Both measure brain activity linked to tasks
• What are the ethical advantages of human studies over animal studies?

  Better ethical standards and validity
• What has EEG contributed to our understanding of?

  Stages involved in sleep
• What does fMRI produce?

  Images with high spatial resolution
• What is a limitation of fMRI regarding brain activity representation?

  5-second time-lag affects representation
• What is a limitation of post-mortem examinations regarding consent?

  Patients may not consent before death
• What is a limitation of ERPs regarding methodology?

  Criticised for lack of standardisation