A magnetic field causes atoms of the brain to change their alignment and when the magnet is on the brain emits various signals that are detected and mapped as a structure of the brain.
What is CAT?
A series of x-rays are taken and combined to form a 2D or 3D picture. Dye is injected into the patient as a contrast material.
Give a example of scientific research that used MRI
Maguire et Al used MRI scans to show that taxi drivers have a larger hippocampus than non-taxi drivers. The hippocampus is related to spacial memory.
Give a example of scientific research that used CAT
Johnstone et Al used CAT scans to show the brains of people with schizophrenia had larger ventricles than people without.
Evaluate MRI scans
+Gives more detailed imaging of the brains soft tissue due to the stronger magnetic field
+Can be used several times as no ionising radiation used
-Takes a long time
-Uncomfortable process
Evaluate CAT scans
+Useful for revealing abnormal structures like tumours
+High quality imaging compared to traditional x-rays
