What's Functional magnetic resonance imaging [FMRI] ?
A method used to measure brain activity while a person is performing a task that uses MRI technology. Enables researches to detect which areas of the brain are rich with oxygen, therefore active.
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How does FMRI work?
When area in the brain is active, it uses more oxygen. To meet this increased demand, blood flow is directed to the active area.
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How many images does FMRI produce, and showing what?
FMRI produces 30 images showing which parts of the brain are involved in a particular mental processes
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2 strengths of FMRI?
It's safe as no radiation is used - non invasive. High spatial resolution providing a clear picture of how brain activity is localised
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Weaknesses of FMRI?
Expensive, low temporal resolution (slow, 5 sec time lag), Only see a general picture, you cannot see individual neurons.
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What is an electroencephalogram [EEG] ?
A record of the tiny electrical impulses produced by the brain's activity. By measuring wave patterns, EEG can help diagnose certain conditions of the brain
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How does EEG work?
Measures electrical activity within the brain via electrodes on a skull cap. Scan represents brainwave patterns generated from millions of neurons. Overall account of brain activity - can indicate unusual rhythms of activity: epilepsy, sleep disorder
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Strengths of EEG?
High temporal resolution, invaluable in diagnosing health conditions, eg. sleep disorders, epilepsy. Helps us study sleep. Cheaper than FMRI
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Weaknesses of EEG
Only a general picture of brain waves so you cannot see individual neurons
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What is Event-related potentials [ERPs] ?
Brain's electrophysical response to a specific sensory, cognitive or motor event which can be isolated through statistical analysis of EEG data
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How does ERP work?
Uses statistical averaging techniques, all extraneous activity from original EEG is filtered, leaving only responses to a specific stimulus. Different form of ERP: linked to cognitive processes like attention and perception
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Strenght of ERP?
High temporal resolution, Specific data, Can identify lots of different types of ERPs
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Weaknesses of ERP?
Difficult to get rid of extraneous activity, lack of standardisation so it's difficult to confirm findings
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WHat is a post-mortem examination?
Analysing the brain after death to determine whether certain observed behaviours during the patients lifetime can be linked to abnormalities in the brain
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How do post mortems work?
Analysis of a person's brain after death. Likely to be someone who's experienced unusual deficits in mental processes/behaviour during their life. Areas of damage are examined to establish a cause. Compared to a neurotypical brain to see difference
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Strenghts of post mortems
Before modern technology, post mortems were the only way to analyse the brain. How Broca and Wernicke discovered their areas. Improves our medical knowledge
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Weaknesses of post mortems?
Does not provide actual links to cause and effect. Presents ethical issues - consent from dead person? Not always...case of HM
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
How does FMRI work?
Back
When area in the brain is active, it uses more oxygen. To meet this increased demand, blood flow is directed to the active area.
Card 3
Front
How many images does FMRI produce, and showing what?
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