Ways of studying the brain

• What is a post mortem?

  Brain studied after death to see structural abnormalities
• Strength of a post mortem?

  Clearly see structural damage between normal and abnormal brain
• 3 weaknesses of a post mortem?


  • unique cases - lacks generalisability
  • Small sample sizes
  • Lacks validity during changes that occur as the brain dies
• What is an fMRI ?

  • A magnetic field and radio waves used to measure blood flow
  • It can measure changes in blood flow as specific tests are performed to see what area is involved
• 2 strengths of an fMRI?

  • shows damage and tumours
  • Safe and painless (non-invasive)
• 2 weaknesses of an fMRI?

  • very expensive. This means there is less research
  • Cannot use if the individual has a pacemaker or any metallic device = lower / limited sample
• What is an EEG?

  • Electrodes placed on the scalp to detect neural activity
  • Used to look at the stages of sleep, sleep disorders and epilepsy
• 3 strengths of an EEG?

  • cheap = lots of research
  • Can see where and when a person is thinking
  • Safe and painless (non-invasive) - more ppts come forward
• 2 weaknesses of an EEG?

  • poor spatial resolution (hard to read)
  • Restricted to the neo-cortex (outer layer. Cannot use for knowledge of deeper parts of the brain
• What is an ERP?

  • Event Related Potential
  • Electrodes placed on the scalp to detect neural activity when presented with a stimuli
• 2 weaknesses of an ERP?

  • same as EEG
  • Poor spatial resolution (hard to read)
  • Restricted to the neo-cortex
• One strength of an ERG?

  Ppts can be given different stimuli to see how processing works and which area of the brain is activated in response to the stimuli