Scans

• What technology do fMRI scans use to create images?

  Strong magnetic field and radio waves
• Why can't some people use fMRI scans?

  Due to the presence of a pacemaker
• What did Raine (1997) find about murderers using PET scans?

  Asymmetrical functioning of the amygdala
• What did Montag et al. (2011) find about gamers using fMRI scans?

  Gamers showed lower activity to negative images
• What are the methodological limitations of using scans to investigate human behavior?

  • Potential for misinterpretation of data
  • Limited sample sizes in studies
  • High costs of scanning technology
  • Ethical concerns regarding participant consent
• PET SCANS

  • Produce a 3d image of how the brain functions
  • Injects a radioactive tracer into bloodstream
  • In active brain areas radioactive trades are left behind
  • Brain activity is colour coded based on how active it is
  • Participants will be scanned and then complete ab activity so active parts of brain can be identified
• CAT scans

  • Produces multiple images of brain
  • X-rays taken from different angles to produce cross sectional images
  • Gives slice by slice view of brain
  • 2D images are converted into 3D
  • Will provide images about abnormalities within brain structure
• fMRI scans

  • Detect changes associated with blood flow within the brain
  • Uses magnetic flow and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain
  • Detects areas of activity by measuring oxygen level
  • Oxygenated blood has a different texture and colour
  • Scans can't be used by everyone such as people with pacemakers as it will be affected by the magnetic field.
• Tateno et al found using CT scans that posttraumatic aggression was more frequent in those with brain injury compared to those who experienced multiple traumas with no head injury, showing that the brain may be involved in creating an aggressive response.