FMRI - functional magnetic resonance imaging

• • Technique for measuring changes in brain activity while a person performs a task
  • detects changes in blood oxygenation and flow that are caused by neural activity in specific brain areas
  • more active a brain area is, the more oxygen used, blood flow then directed to this area
  • FMRI produces dynamic 3D map of the brain (activation map)
  • activation maps show which parts of brain are involved in specific processes
• A03 Negative

  • FMRI images show activity approximately 1-4 seconds after it occurs (poor temporal resolution)
  • FMRIs measure changes in blood flow and are not a direct measure of neural activity
  • FMRIs focus on localised activity in the brain and do not show how brain regions communicate and are networked which its claimed is vital to neural function
• A03 positive

  • FMRI more objective and reliable than subjective reports by participants in studies. Can also be used to investigate psychological functioning that participants are incapable of providing verbally.
  • FMRIs are non-invasive - no exposure to potentially harmful radiation or instruments being inserted into body.
  • FMRI thought to be accurate within 1-2mm (very high spatial resolution)