Brain Scanning Techniques: Evaluation

PET SCANS:

ADVANTAGES:

• Show functional activity of different areas of the brain so able to detect abnormality.
• Compare functions between normal and abnormal brains so can identify causes of differences in behaviours.
• Produce quantitative data which is reliable.

DISADVANTAGES:

• Carried out in controlled setting so cannot show how brain responds in real - life situations, therefore low in predictive validity.
• Involve use of unrealistic tasks so results are low in ecological validity. 

CAT SCANS:

ADVANTAGES:

• Show structural changes in different areas of the brain so can show the precise malfunctioning areas.
• Can be used to compare scans between different brains, to…