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Ways of Studying the Brain - Coggle Diagram
Ways of Studying the Brain
Event Related Potentials (ERPs)
ERPs are types of brainwaves which are triggered by a particular event. These are filtered out from an EEG.
STRENGTHS: more specific measurement of neural processes compared to raw EEG data. High temporal resolution.
WEAKNESSES: lack of standardisation in ERP methodology between studies which make it difficult to confirm findings. Not always easy to eliminate all background stimuli so may not be pure.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRIs)
STRENGTHS: does not rely on the use of radiation so it is safer than other scanning techniques. It is non-invasive and straightforward to use. High spatial resolution.
WEAKNESSES: expensive, and can only capture a clear image if the person stays completely still. Poor temporal resolution (5 second time lag) and can only measure blood flow in the brain. Can be difficult to tell what type of brain activity is being represented on the screen.
Works by detecting changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occur as a result of neural activity in specific parts of the brain. When a brain area is more active, it consumes more oxygen (haemodynamic response).
Produces 3D images showing which parts of the brain are involved in particular mental processes.
Post-Mortem Examinations
Analysis of a person's brain after death.
People whose brains have post mortems are likely to have a rare disorder.
Areas of damage within the brain are examined after death as a way to establish the cause of the problem the person experienced.
May involve comparison of a neurotypical brain with a disordered brain so the extent of the difference can be measured.
STRENGTHS: Broca and Wernicke relied on post-mortems studies to create links between language before neuroimaging was possible. Also used to study HMs brain in order to identify areas of damage which could be associated to his memory defects.
WEAKNESSES: observed damage to the brain may not be linked with the problem under review - may have been caused by other trauma or decay. The patients are not able to give consent into having their brains studied and some people are unable to give informed consent whilst they are still alive due to issues with memory for example.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Measure electrical activity within the brain via electrodes that are fixed to the patient's scalp. Gives an overview of brain activity. Often used by clinicians as a diagnostic tool as unusual brainwave patterns may indicate an abnormality e.g. tumour, epilepsy or disordered sleep.
STRENGTHS: proven invaluable in the diagnosis of certain disorders. Contributed to our understanding of the stages involved in sleep. Has high temporal resolution.
WEAKNESSES: not useful for pinpointing exactly where the neural activity is coming from - poor spatial resolution.