Studying the Brain

Those with generalized anxiety display increased waves of electrical brain activity in certain areas of the brain. Which method for studying the brain would best detect this?

• PET

• CAT (CT) scan

• MRI

• EEG

Sarah needs to get pictures of her brain taken to see if she suffered any brain damage as a result of her car accident.  However, she is hesitant to go for a specific test due to its potential harmful effects on the body.  Which technique is Sarah concerned about and why?

• MRI

• PET scan

• CT (CAT) scan

• fMRI

Sociopaths have been shown to have smaller frontal lobes, an area of the brain responsible for moral judgment and self-control. Which method would illustrate this finding?

• A MEG, as it displays the soft tissue of the brain.

• A MRI, as it displays the soft tissue of the brain.

• A MRI, as it displays both the structure and function of the brain.

• A PET scan, as it displays the activity of the brain.

True or False?: A researcher could use a PET scan to see specific areas of the brain that use more glucose when people perform a complex math problem.

• True

• False

Dr. Angelo is interested in both the brain function and physical layout of his patient’s brain.  He wants to see which specific regions contribute to particular brain functions using a technique that shows information about blood flow to certain regions in the brain.  Which technique should Dr. Angelo use and why?

• MEG

• CAT (CT)

• MRI

• fMRI