Ways of investigating the brain -A-Level Psychology
Scanning and other techniques:
Technique: fMRI
What it does:
Detects changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occur due to neural activity in specific parts of the brain.More active=more blood flow and oxygen consumption(haemodynamic response).
Produces a 3D image showing which parts of the brain are involved in a particular mental process.
Strengths:
-does not rely on use of radiation
-non-invasive
-straightforward to use
-high spatial resolution which provides a clear picture of how brain activity is localised
Weaknesses:
-expensive
-patient has to remain incredibly still for a clear picture
-poor temporal resolution as there is a lag between image and initial firing of neuronal activity
-only measure blood flow so can not focus in on individual neurons
Technique: EEG
What it does:
measure electrical activity within the brain via electrodes that are fixed to an individual’s scalp using a skull cap.Brainwave patterns are recorded so an overall account of brain activity is provided.
Can be used to identify unusual arrhythmic patterns of activity that may indicate neurological abnormalities.
Strengths:
can be used to diagnose conditions such as epilepsy
Has contributed to understanding stages of sleep -ultradian rhythms
High temporal resolution-resolution is around a millisecond
Weaknesses:
generalised nature of information received makes it hard to pinpoint the exact source of neural activity
Technique: ERPs
What it does:
The brain’s electrophysiological response to a specific sensory, cognitive,or motor event can be isolated through statistical analysis of EEG data.Types of brainwaves that are triggered by particular events are studied.
Strengths:
more specific measurements of neural processes
High temporal resolution
Used to measure cognitive functions and deficits .
Weaknesses:
lack of standardisation of methodology between different research studies makes it hard to confirm findings
In order to establish pure data background noise and extraneous material must be completely eliminated which is not easy to achieve.
Technique: Post-mortem examinations
What it does:
The brain is analysed after death to determine whether certain observed behaviours during the patient’s lifetime could be linked to abnormalities in the brain.
May be compared with a neurotypical brain in order to find the extent of difference
Strengths:
-improve medical knowledge and help generate hypotheses .
-Broca and Wernicke used this to establish links between language ,behaviour and the brain.
– provide a foundation for the early understanding of key processes in the brain
Weaknesses:
-issue of causation,may be other factors such as trauma or decay
-ethical issues of informed consent e.g the case study of HM
There are several methods used to investigate the brain, including neuroimaging techniques such as MRI, fMRI, PET, and CT scans. Other methods include electrophysiology, such as EEG and MEG, as well as invasive techniques like deep brain stimulation and lesioning.
Structural neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI and CT scans, provide information about the structure of the brain, including the size and shape of different regions. Functional neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI and PET scans, show how the brain is functioning in real-time, by measuring changes in blood flow or glucose metabolism.
EEG (electroencephalography) is a technique that measures the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. It can be used to study brain activity during different tasks or states, such as sleep or meditation.
fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) measures changes in blood flow in the brain, which can indicate which areas are active during a task or state. This technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the brain.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an invasive technique used to treat certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. It involves placing electrodes in specific areas of the brain and delivering electrical impulses to those areas to regulate abnormal activity.
The brain is central to all aspects of human behavior and experience, and understanding how it works is crucial to understanding psychology. Research into the brain can help us understand the neural basis of emotions, cognition, perception, and more, and can inform treatments for a range of psychological and neurological disorders.
Brain research often involves invasive techniques or exposure to radiation, which can pose risks to participants. Additionally, research into sensitive topics such as mental illness or consciousness can raise ethical questions about informed consent and privacy. Researchers must carefully consider these issues and take steps to ensure that their studies are conducted ethically and responsibly.
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