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F Brain Imaging Notes

Brain imaging technologies can be used to investigate the structure and function of the brain, as well as potential damage, by noninvasively measuring electrical activity, blood flow, and metabolic activity in the brain. The four main types discussed are EEG, which measures electrical brain waves; PET, which examines brain activity using radioactive tracers; MRI, which produces images of brain structure using magnetic fields and radio waves; and fMRI, which identifies active brain regions by detecting associated changes in blood flow. While these technologies have advanced our understanding, results are always correlational and limitations include poor spatial resolution, inability to prove causation, and potential for misinterpretations of images.

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Zahra Tejani
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92 views

F Brain Imaging Notes

Brain imaging technologies can be used to investigate the structure and function of the brain, as well as potential damage, by noninvasively measuring electrical activity, blood flow, and metabolic activity in the brain. The four main types discussed are EEG, which measures electrical brain waves; PET, which examines brain activity using radioactive tracers; MRI, which produces images of brain structure using magnetic fields and radio waves; and fMRI, which identifies active brain regions by detecting associated changes in blood flow. While these technologies have advanced our understanding, results are always correlational and limitations include poor spatial resolution, inability to prove causation, and potential for misinterpretations of images.

Uploaded by

Zahra Tejani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Brain Imaging Technologies

LO: Discuss the use of brain imaging technologies


in investigating the relationship between biological
factors and behavior.
BY THE END YOU SHOULD KNOW

4 types of Brain Imaging Technology

How each works


What each is used for
Several strengths of each
Several limitations of each
Brain Imaging Technologies

Can be used to:


investigate structure (brain anatomy)
investigate function (brain activity)
investigate damage
add support to prior findings

Results of BIT research is ALWAYS correlational, NEVER causation.


(But can become causation when triangulated)

Continually evolving
1. EEG: Electroencephalogram
Facts on the EEG

What is it for?
To measure brain activity (in
the form of brain waves)

How does it work?


Small metal discs with electrodes are placed on
the scalp and measure electrical activity in the
brain. This is recorded as brain waves through a
computer print-out.
Strengths and Limitations

Strengths: Limitations

One of the first BIT (1930s) Only reveals electrical


activity close to the surface,
Often used in research on:
cant get deep into the brain
sleep
Only reveals where the
epilepsy electrodes are placed
CT Scan: Computerized Tomography
Previously CAT scan: Computerized Axial Tomography
CT Scan: Computerized Tomography
Previously CAT scan: Computerized Axial Tomography

Became popular in the 70s

Computer enhanced Xray

Shows bones and soft tissue (structure)

Can be shot from any angle--shown as slices

Pros: Inexpensive, widely used,

Cons: Xray Radiation, only shows structure not function


2. PET: Positron Emission Topography
PET: Positron Emission Topography

Examines Brain Function (activity)

Injection of Radioactive glucose

Changes color based on blood flow or metabolic activity

Color shows area where brain is active

Used to diagnose Alzheimer's, schizophrenia

Strengths: Beyond structure--can show activity

Limits: Cant prove WHY its lighting up


3.MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Widespread since 1980s

Uses magnetic fields, radio waves, and computer to take 2D


images of slices of the brain. Shows Structure only

Magnet changes proton alignment in body water

Strengths: non-invasive, non-radiation, more precise, can be


repeated,

Limitations: Not a natural environmentartificial research,


shading may be exaggerated, patient distress, cant have metal
4.fMRI: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
fMRI: Functional Magnetic

Like an MRI and PET scan--shows structure and function

Injection that measures blood flow based on oxygen needed


for activity

Strengths: Most advanced and recent, Good resolution,


shows on-going thinking

Limitations: Expensive, time delay, can get false positives,


some colors hidden or exaggerated
Lets Watch a Ted Talk
While you watchlook for these things:

How did BIT research add support for prior understandings


about faces?

How was replication used?

How did triangulation with a case study help lead to causation?

What are some limitations of brain imaging technology


research?

How can BIT be wrong?

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