Wize University Psychology Textbook > Neuroscience

Studying the Brain

The Corpus Callosum & Hemispheric LateralizationPrevious Section

Development of the Nervous SystemNext Section

0:00 / 0:00

Studying the Brain 
Studying the anatomy or structure of the brain is relatively easy. Studying brain functioning is actually quite difficult. 

EEG
Electroencephalogram
Measures brain activity through electrical impulses
Electrodes are placed on the scalp, typically using a brain cap
Brain activity shows up as lines measuring each area of brain
It is important to remain as still as possible during testing as EEGs can pick up the slightest of movements, such as eye blinks and jaw tension

         Photo by Thuglas / Public Domain

PAGE BREAK

Photo by Hgamboa / CC BY 

PAGE BREAK
CAT (or CT)

Photo by Wwwanglia/ CC BY 

Computerized Axial Tomography

Computer processing allows neurologists to create cross-sectional imaging using several X-Ray images

Provides images inside the brain without cutting

Does not show brain activity - only structure 

PAGE BREAK

PET

Positron Emission Tomography 

Uses a form of radioactive sugar to creates images that evaluate biological functions of cells

PET scan images show bright spots where higher levels of chemical activity is present 

Photo by 7mike5000/ Public Domain 

PAGE BREAK
MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Uses powerful magnets to make detailed images of the inside of your brain

Does not show brain activity - only structure 

                Photo by Jmarchn / CC BY 

PAGE BREAK
fMRI

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Assesses brain activity by measuring blood flow in the brain

                   Photo by 7mike5000/ Public Domain

Practice: Studying the Brain 
An EEG measures the relationship between brain and behaviour using: 

Wize University Psychology Textbook > Neuroscience

Studying the Brain

Popular Courses

Studying the Brain

Practice: Studying the Brain