By detecting changes in brain oxygenation, a 3D image of the brain is created, showing where the blood is diverted an therefore which part of the brain is active (loc. of func.)
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What are some strengths of fMRIs?
No-invasive, no rads = nearly risk free. Very high spatial res. (to the millimetre)
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What are some downsides of fMRIs?
Very expensive, requires complete stillness from the patient and poor temp. res. (around 5 seconds)
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What does EEG stand for?
ElectroEncephaloGram
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How is an EEG performed?
Measuring electrical activity within the brain using a skull cap, generating a recording
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What are some strengths of EEGs?
High temp. res. (down to a millisecond). Has helped us understand epilepsy and stages of sleep
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What are some downsides of EEGs?
Not useful for pinpointing exact source of neuronal activity and does not distinguish between activities occurring in different but adjacent locations
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What does ERP stand for?
Event-Related Potentials
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How are ERPs performed?
Due to the crude and overly general nature of ERPs, researchers use a statistical averaging technique to isolate neural responses
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What are some strengths of ERPs?
Much more specific than EEGs. Excellent temp. res.
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What are some downsides of ERPs?
Lack of standardisation in methodology and removal of all "background noise" and extraneous material is not always possible
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What are Post-mortem examinations?
Analysis of a person's brain following their death, usually on those with a rare disorder of the brain
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What are some strengths of Post-mortem examinations?
Vital in producing an early foundation for key processes in the brain and help improve general medical knowledge
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What are some downsides of Post-mortem examinations?
Observed damage may be due to unrelated trauma and patients may be unable to provide informed consent
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