works by detecting the changes in blood flow that occur due to brain activity in specific parts of the brain. When a part of the brain is more active they it consumes more oxygen

uses MRI technology

produces 3 images showing which parts of the brain are used for certain mental processes

strength: does not rely on the use of radiation and is risk free

strength: produces that have high spatial resolution providing a clear picture of how the brain works

weakness: expensive

weakness: only provides a clear image if the individual stays still

weakness: poor temporal resolution as there is a 5 second time lag

measures electrical activity within the brain via electrodes that are fixed to an individuals scalp

Recording occurs and and an overall account of brain activity is provided

strength: has provided the diagnosis of epilepsy characterised by random outbursts of activity that can be easily detected

strength: contributed to understanding the stages of sleep

strength: high temporal resolution as it can detect brain activity at a single millisecond

weakness: the EEG signal is not useful for pinpointing the exact source of neural activity

uses EEG equipment

records when there is activity is response to a stimulus introduced by the researcher

Many research has revealed that there is different forms of ERPs and they are linked to cognitive processes such as perception

strength: excellent temporal resolution compared to fMRIs which has led to widespread cognitive functions

weakness: lack of standardisation in methodology which makes it difficult to confirm findings

weakness: to gain pure findings background noise and extraneous variables must be eliminated