Word count: Date: 10/09/2010

IB Psychology: Bio-psychology Methods (Definitions and strengths and weaknesses)

Li Chun Ho (Alvin) IB Psychology HL

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

Definition A graphical representation of the gross electrical activity of the brain, recorded by electrodes attached to the scalp by an electroencephalograph. EEG reveals approximately periodic oscillating waves because of feedback, from the neurons transporting information in the brain because as they do so, they emit electrical charges. EEG registers patterns of voltage change in the brain. A non-invasive method of brain imaging or of visualizing other organs of the body, in which a computer builds up a threedimensional picture from a series of plane cross-sectional xray images made at evenly spaced intervals along an axis.

Strengths Can gain more understanding of behaviour, such as sleep, emotions, epilepsy. It has the ability to view the same EEG signals from different perspectives. Most sensitive functional test of changes in brain function over short time periods.

Weaknesses Provides limited information; cannot reveal what is happening in deeper brain regions or the actual functioning of the brain.

Less sensitive to patient movement Patients might be severely allergic to iodine. than MRI. Lower resolution than FMRI/MRIs. Can see which brain areas are active when people make decisions. Cost effective imaging tool.

CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography)

Word count: Date: 10/09/2010

IB Psychology: Bio-psychology Methods (Definitions and strengths and weaknesses)

Li Chun Ho (Alvin) IB Psychology HL

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

A non-invasive technique of brain-imaging that monitors glucose metabolism in the brain by recording the emission of gamma rays when radioactivity labelled glucose or some other substance introduced into the bloodstream is metabolized by neurons as they are activated.

Provides a dynamic record, usually Expensive; requires an onsite of cyclotron colour-coded, of brain activity. because of the short half-life produced by Diagnoses abnormalities, such as the radioactive materials. tumours, changes in Alzheimer's, to compare brain differences, for example, people with schizophrenia have difference neural activity.

MRI/FMRIs (Magnetic Resonance imaging)

A non-invasive method of brain imaging and three dimensional structure of the brain. FMRIs shows actual brain activity and indicates colours when brain areas are activated.

Contrast material less likely to cause allergic reactions than iodinebased materials used in CT scanning. Higher resolution than PET scans, easier to carry out. Indicates which areas of the brain are active when engaged in behaviour.

Not a natural environment for cognition; question of ecological validity. Use of colours may exaggerate different activities of the brain. Brain areas activate for various reasons. Not activated does not mean no response.

Word count: Date: 10/09/2010

IB Psychology: Bio-psychology Methods (Definitions and strengths and weaknesses)

Li Chun Ho (Alvin) IB Psychology HL

TSM (Tran cranial Magnetic Stimulation)

A series of strong magnetic Tends to have a good compressive Just under the surface; just directly under pulses at a particular location on level of depression. the skull. It cannot be more in-depth or the scalp. At low intensities, Useful treatment for depression. detailed. these pulses stimulate the brain region directly underneath the scalp area; at high intensities, the pulse creates a temporary disruption in that area. So, it can turn off the brain mechanism for a short while and investigators can observe the results.