Brain Imaging Techniques

What is one way we did NOT use to study the brain before brain imaging technologies?

• Autopsies

• Invasive Techniques

• Case studies

• Neurotransmission

Which one of the following are functional brain imaging techniques

• CT scans

• SPECT

• fMRI

• MRI

How do MRIs generate brain scans?

• Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to map the activity of hydrogen molecules, which are present in different brain tissue to different degrees.

• Uses X-rays and computed technology to produce images of the brain.

• Uses blood flow through arteries and veins in the brain.

• Uses oxygenated blood flow to track brain activity. Active areas in the brain have higher levels of oxygenated blood flow

Which one is not a possible way to to analyze MRIs

• Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to measure the density of grey matter and pixel counting can be used to calculate the area of certain brain structures.

• Pixel Counting

• The brain region that is active will light up

An example of a study that used MRIs is

• Sharot et al

• Maguire

• Roger and Kesner

• Croket et al

Which of the following is not an advantage of MRIs

• The procedure is non-invasive, with minimal potential harm to the participant.

• The image has high resolution; this gives researchers a good sense of the actual structure of the brain.

• MRIs can show us the ongoing brain processes and activity

• It allows non-exposure to radiation

Which ones of the following are disadvantages of MRIs:

1. MRI only indicates structure.

2. MRI research is correlational in nature.

3. Individuals with metal in their body cannot undergo MRIs

4. An issue for claustrophobic people

5. Incidental findings due to the high resolution of the scans

• 3 and 4

• 1, 2, and 4

• 1, 4 and 5

• All of the above

How does an fMRI generate brain scans?

• Active brain regions have a higher flow of oxygenated blood, which the scanner tracks

• Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to map the activity of hydrogen molecules.

• Uses blood flow in the arteries and veins to track the activity of the brain

• Uses X-rays and computed technology to produce images of the brain.

What is one advantage of using fMRIs

• Feasible for individuals with claustrophobia

• Tracks brain activity

• It is cheaper than MRIs

• Feasible for individuals with metal in their bodies (e.g. pace makers) because it uses radiation

Which of the following is not a limitation of brain scans?

• Low ecological Validity

• Sampling Bias

• Ethical issues

• Colours exaggerate brain activity