Brain+Imaging

Discuss the use of brain imaging technologies in investigating the relationship between biological factors and behavior.

The revolutionary technology like Electroencephalograms, Position Emission Topography and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging have allows some of the research associated in the brain to be directed away from animal invasive techniques like lesioning. These two ways to study the brain complement each other. The technological techniques aim to show which parts of the brain are responsable for certain behaviour. The invasive techniques aim to demonstrate what happens when those parts of the brain are damaged and thus finding out their respectable functions.

**Electroencephalogram** or more commonly known as **EEG**, is able to detect the electrical charge that is emitted by neurons when they transmit information by measuring the voltage change in the brain (Crane and Hannibal 45). Although this technique can measure neuron activity it is limited to those that occupy the outer layers of the brain, and therefor is useless in observing the internal sections of the brain. **PET**, **Positron Emission Topography**, is able to detect radioactive particles of glucose injected into the body, producing a colourful map of the brain activity. The higher levels of glucose depicted by the scan in the brain theoretically is associated with greater brain activity (Crane and Hannibal 45). The **PET** can be used to diagnose tumours, changes in Alzheimers disease and to compare the different psychological disorders, and gender differences. Gur et al researched into gender and aggression using a **PET** scan. They found that there was greater glucose metabolism in brain where aggression is thought to be controlled were much more active in men then in women (Crane and Hannibal 45).




 * fMRI**, **Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging**, as its name suggests uses magnets and radio waves to provide a three dimensional picture of the brain structures. This easy technique shows actual brain activity and can indicate which exact areas of the brain are active in high resolution. For these reasons fMRI scans are one of the most common techniques used in biopsychological research to his day.



**Evaluation Of Brain Scanning Teechniques**
 * When people are performing cognitive tasks within a MRI scanner they are in a strange or unnatural environment, and therefore ecological Validity may be questioned.
 * The colours that are used are vibrant and therefore may exaggerate brain activity
 * Different areas of the brain may perform various functions and therefore when the area being studied lights up may not necessarily be because of the response being observed.

1. Crane, John, and Jette Hannibal. // Psychology Course Companion //. Glasgow Great Britain: Bell and Bain ltd., 2009. 45. Print.