Techniques for Studying the Brain

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a brain scanning technique that involves a strong magnetic field created by two powerful magnets in the scanner. This forces protons from hydrogen atoms in the body to align with that field, sending back radio signals that produce detailed images of the brain.
• fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), rather than showing structure (MRI) shows which areas of the brain are active under specific conditions or while performing a task.
• fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) is the same process as MRI, except it takes multiple scans as the patient completes a task. Multiple scans allow neuroscientists to watch which areas of the brain are activated.
• PET (positron emission tomography) is an invasive brain scanning technique that involves injecting a radioactive substance (glucose) into the patient. This substance then accumulates in different parts of the brain (active part). It releases positrons, which the scanner records in a manner similar to a heat map.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is good because it enables researchers to pinpoint specific brain structures that are damaged or have increased gray matter, which helps identify the link between brain and behavior. MRIs are less invasive unlike PET since it doesn't require radiation.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is bad because MRI scanners can be disturbed by noise, temperature, or human error, so they're not always reliable. MRI is not suitable for people with claustrophobia because of the enclosed environment of the machine.
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is good because it enables researchers to measure oxygenated blood flow in specific brain regions that informs them of brain activity linked to cognitive processes
• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is bad because it's slow. There's a 5 second delay between brain activity and measurement, so they may miss important information.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) is good because it is more sensitive than other techniques and can highlight abnormalities and illness more successfully
• Positron emission tomography (PET) is bad because it is not suitable for all patients, since using radioactive material can involve some risk.
• MRI was used in Maguire (2000)
• fMRI was used in Fisher et al. (2005)
• PET was used in Raine et al (1997)
• Identify the type of scan.

  A) MRI Scan

  
• Identify the type of scan.

  A) fMRI scan

  
• Identify the type of scan.

  A) PET scan

  
• During an MRI, the patient must stay still as movement may affect precision of measurement. MRIs aren't suitable for people with metal implants.