Ways of studying the brain

• What are the 4 ways of studying the brain?

  1. fMRI scans
  2. EEG
  3. ERP
  4. Post mortem analysis
• How does fMRI work?

  It detects the levels of blood oxygenation in areas of the brain and it produces 3d images
• What are strengths of fMRI?

  • Evidence of localisation of brain functions
  • Non-invasive
  • High spatial resolution
• What are the limitations of fMRI?

  • Low temporal resolution - 5 second delay
  • Only measures blood flow
  • Patient has to stay still
• How does EEG work?

  It records electrical impulses using electrodes fixed to a skull cap
• What are the strengths of EEG?

  • High temporal resolution
  • Useful for diagnosis of epilepsy
• What are the limitations of EEG?

  • Can't pinpoint exact neural activity
  • Can't carry out everyday tasks wearing it
• How does ERP (event-related potentials) work?

  It filters out EEG activity to pinpoint specific neural activity
• What are the strengths of ERP?

  • High temporal resolution
  • More precise findings that EEG
• What are the limitations of ERP?

  • Difficult to eliminate background activity
  • Lack of standardisation
• What are post mortem examinations?

  Analysis of a person's body after they have died
• What are the strengths of post mortem analysis?

  • High spatial resolution
  • Provided a foundation for future studies of the brain
• What are the limitations of post mortem analysis?

  • Ethical issues - consent
  • Can't study the brain when it is active