Back to AI Flashcard MakerPsychology /Y1 Psychology: Biological Methodology: Scanning Techniques Part 2
Y1 Psychology: Biological Methodology: Scanning Techniques Part 2
This deck covers key concepts related to PET and fMRI scanning techniques, including their uses, strengths, weaknesses, and differences.
What is the patient required to do during a PET scan?
• To be injected with the radioactive substance • Place their head in a tubular scanner
Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
1/14
Key Terms
Term
Definition
What is the patient required to do during a PET scan?
• To be injected with the radioactive substance • Place their head in a tubular scanner
Identify a study that used a PET scan.
Raine et al (1997) used a PET scan to investigate whether the brain activity of murderers pleading NGRI was different to non-murderers and found lower...
Evaluate 2 strengths of PET scans.
1) High in reliability due to scans being a standardised procedure in controlled conditions therefore can be replicated quickly and compared easily wi...
Evaluate 3 weaknesses of PET scans.
1) Low ecological validity due to being carried out in a controlled artificial setting which is not natural to the patient therefore their brain activ...
What does ‘fMRI’ stand for?
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
How do fMRI scans differ from MRI scans?
They look at activity by measuring blood flow rather than the structure of grey matter in the brain that MRI scans measure.
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is the patient required to do during a PET scan? | • To be injected with the radioactive substance • Place their head in a tubular scanner |
Identify a study that used a PET scan. | Raine et al (1997) used a PET scan to investigate whether the brain activity of murderers pleading NGRI was different to non-murderers and found lower glucose uptake in certain areas that can be linked to aggression. |
Evaluate 2 strengths of PET scans. | 1) High in reliability due to scans being a standardised procedure in controlled conditions therefore can be replicated quickly and compared easily with the objective images 2) Highly scientific due to reducing behaviour down to abnormalities in the brain and activity of certain areas with metabolic rate therefore each area is measurable |
Evaluate 3 weaknesses of PET scans. | 1) Low ecological validity due to being carried out in a controlled artificial setting which is not natural to the patient therefore their brain activity may not reflect that of real life 2) Low ethics due to involving a radioactive injection that can severely distress patients as well as confining the person to a small space for an extended period of time for those with claustrophobia 3) Limited in its use due to involving a radioactive substance that is harmful to pregnant women therefore not suitable for some people |
What does ‘fMRI’ stand for? | Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
How do fMRI scans differ from MRI scans? | They look at activity by measuring blood flow rather than the structure of grey matter in the brain that MRI scans measure. |
What are fMRI scans typically used to study? | Activity in the brain based on blood flow. |
What images are produced by an fMRI scan? | Black and white with colour of places with activity. |
How do fMRI scans work? | • A magnetic field is passed through the patients head • Nuclei within hydrogen molecules align with this magnetic field • When an area of the brain is more active it will consume more oxygen so will therefore have a higher concentration of blood • Haemoglobin in blood repels the magnetic field being diamagnetic and when full of oxygen follows the field being paramagnetic • A scanner detects this change to create an image of a map of activation on a computer |
How long do fMRI scans typically take? | 30-40 mins |
What is the patient required to do during an fMRI scan? | Lie completely still on a slab with their head in a powerful electromagnet |
Identify a study that used an fMRI scan. | Li et al (2013) used fMRI scans to investigate how heroin affects the brain and found that PCC area of the brain was activated by images of drug paraphernalia showing its role in craving and drug-seeking behaviour. |
Evaluate 2 strengths of fMRI scans. | 1) High inter-rater reliability due to producing quantitative data of an image that can be objectively interpreted by multiple researchers 2) High ethics compared to other scans as doesn't expose the patient to radiation or cause distress from an injection meaning they are more useful |
Evaluate 3 weaknesses of fMRI scans. | 1) Low validity due to being in a lab condition that is an unnatural setting for the ppt in which they cannot move therefore their brain activity may not reflect real life situations where they are more comfortable 2) Low ethics due to involving the patient being in a confined space with distracting loud noises that can cause distress through claustrophobia 3) Limited use due to not having as much detail as PET scans that can look at receptors at the synapse or be used on people with pacemakers and tattoos |