Methods of Studying the Brain Mr. Koch AP Psychology Forest Lake High School
Clinical Observation Study effects of accidents/brain damage (oldest way of studying) Strokes Traumatic Injury Tumor Lesion
Clinical Observation Frontal lobotomy Phineas Gage
Electrical Stimulation Note effect of weak electrical currents on behavior Can be used on humans or animals
Electroencephalograph (EEG) Electrodes measure electrical waves sweeping across surface of the brain
Brain Scans CAT (or CT Scan) MRI PET fMRI TMS
CAT (CT) Scan Computerized Axial Tomography Cross-section X-ray pictures of the brain Can reveal brain damage
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging Aligns atoms in brain, then disorients them, measures detectable signals as they move back into place Gives detailed picture of soft tissues
PET Scan Positron Emission Tomography
PET Scan
fMRI Functional MRI
TMS Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Newer method – has been used in treatment of depression