Student activity B3.1.

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Name ..................................................................... Class ................. Date .....................

Brain research
Specification references
 B3.1g
 WS1.1d

Aims
During this activity you will consider the different ways in which scientists
research the function of the parts of the brain. You will consider the issues
associated with the methods.

Learning outcomes
After completing this activity, you should be able to:
 describe some of the different techniques used to investigate brain function
 describe a range of practical and ethical concerns in scientific research.

Equipment
 ICT if available.

Setting the scene

It has been important for scientists to establish what each part of the brain actually
does. However, it is not an easy organ to carry out research on. Your role is that
of a director of a medical research centre. You need to evaluate the different
methods of brain research, and develop a policy statement outlining what
research you will allow and why.

Task
Take a few minutes to find out about the different methods scientists use to find
out about brain activity. For more information refer to the student book Topic
B3.1.4 The brain or the Internet. Your teacher may provide you with information.
In pairs draw up notes which for each method you identify. Your notes should
include:
 the name of the method
 description of the method
 outline what this method contributes to our understanding of brain function
 outline any drawbacks associated with the method.
Share your ideas in a short class discussion chaired by your teacher.

© Oxford University Press 2017 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

This resource sheet may have been changed from the original. 1
 Student activity B3.1.4
Name ..................................................................... Class ................. Date .....................

Use the template below to create a policy statement for a medical research centre
carrying out research into brain function. The statement should be clear about
what methods your centre will be allowed to use and why; and what methods you
will ban and why. You can allow as many methods as you wish in your institute.

Neurobiology Research

Policy Statement On Research Methods

Method permitted / banned

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Expectations if used (only applicable if method used)

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Justification for the use / banning this method

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© Oxford University Press 2017 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements

This resource sheet may have been changed from the original. 2
 Student activity B3.1.4
Name ..................................................................... Class ................. Date .....................

Policy Statement On Research Methods

Method permitted / banned

……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Expectations if used (only applicable if method used)

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Justification for the use / banning this method

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Policy Statement On Research Methods

Method permitted / banned

PET scan
Expectations if used (only applicable if method used)
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are used to produce detailed 3-
dimensional images of the inside of the body.
The images can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any
abnormal areas, and can highlight how well certain functions of the body are working
When a region of the brain is active, it uses more fuel in the form of oxygen and sugar
(glucose). As the brain uses more fuel it produces more waste products, carbon
dioxide and water. Blood carries fuel to the brain and waste products away from the
brain. As brain activity increases, blood flow to and from the area of activity also
increases. This is known as regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Knowing these facts,
researchers can use radioactive water (H215O) and PET scans to observe what
areas of the brain are receiving more blood flow.`
Justification for the use / banning this method

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Student follow-up
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Would you apply any limits to the extent of research for the allowed research methods?
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© Oxford University Press 2017 www.oxfordsecondary.co.uk/acknowledgements
This resource sheet may have been changed from the original. 3