ways of studying the brain

• fMRIs: functional magnetic resonance imaging

  • detects changes in blood oxygenation + flow that results from neural activity in brain
  • brain area more active = consumes more blood flow + directed to the area
• fMRIs pt2:

  • produce 3d maps (activation maps) - shows what parts are involved in certain mental processes
• EEGs: electroencepahlogram

  • measures electrical activity in brain via electrodes fixed to scalp with skull cap
  • scan recording represents brainwave patterns from neuron action -overall account of brain activity
• EEGS pt 2:

  • used as diagnostic tool - unusual, arrhythmic patterns of activity = neurological abnormalities e.g epilepsy
• event related potentials (ERPs):

  • takes raw EEG data, investigates cognitive processing of specific event
  • multiple readings taken, averaged to filter out brain activity that isnt related to stimuli
• post mortem examinations:

  • more likely to have mental disorders or deficits in mental processing or behaviour
  • examined to establish cause of affliction, may also involve comparison with neurotypical brain
• fMRI strengths:

  • non invasive
  • high spatial resolution (detects activity down to mm)
• fMRIs weaknesses:

  • very expensive
  • poor temporal resolution - 5s time lag between activity and what person is doing
• EEG strengths:

  • high temporal resolution
  • useful diagnostic tool
• EEG weaknesses:

  • poor spatial resolution
  • generalised info
• EEP strengths:

  • more specificity than EEGs
  • high temporal resolution
  • useful for measuring cognitive functions
• EEP weaknesses:

  • lack of standardisation in methology
  • background noise needs to be completely eliminated
• post mortem strengths:

  • more detailed
  • foundation for early understanding of processes
• post mortem weaknesses:

  • affected b EVs
  • retrospective data (cant be sure on cause + cant follow up)
  • ethical issues - consent