Imaging Techniques and Cognitive Function Essay examples -- Medicine

Neuroimaging is a multidiscipline science and experts from the field of psychology, statistics, physics and physiology tout ensemble contribute to its further development (Poldrack et al., 2007). In the last 20 old age the imaging techniques developed from single proton waiver tomography (SPET) to positron emission tomography (PET) and finally to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (Page, 2006). Their applications argon numerous in experimental and cognitive psychology. However, at one direct they can constitute another dependent variable (brain activity) as a response to an independent variable (stimulus manipulation) and at the other level, understanding the twist and processes of the brain can shed light on normal cognitive functioning (Kaye, 2010). Therefore, this essay go forth argue that imaging techniques not however tell us about the brain structure but overly try to explain its cognitive functions. Two non-invasive imaging techniques will be put forward, nam ely, electroencephalogram (EEG) that measures electrical activity and gives thin temporal closing and fMRI that is found on changes in blood supply and provides excellent spatial fortitude. The claim will be evaluated in the light of their fundamental assumptions, methodology and contribution to examining the brain function. Relevant evidence of studies with healthy adults will be provided. Finally, technologies that can only show the brain structure will be introduced.First, let us look at the electroencephalogram (EEG), which is based on recordings of electrical brain activity with millisecond temporal resolution and it provides the most direct measure correlate of ongoing brain bear on that can be obtained non-invasively (Johnsrude and Hauk, 2010, p. 28). The ba... ...12 from http//web.ebscohost.com.libezproxy.open.ac.uk/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=1b047404-ffff-413f-b018-a4213e391053%40sessionmgr115&vid=2&hid=110 Page, M. A. (2006). What cant functional neuroimaging t ell the cognitive psychologist?. Cortex A Journal Devoted To The Study Of The Nervous system And Behavior, 42(3), 428-443. Retrieved may 5, 2012 fromhttp//www.sciencedirect.com.libezproxy.open.ac.uk/science/article/pii/S0010945208703757 Poldrack, R.A., Fletcher, P.C., Henson, R.N., Worsley, K.J., Brett, M. and Nichols, T.E. (2007). Guidelines for reporting an fMRI study. NeuroImage, 40 (2), 409-414. Retrieved May 5, 2012 from http//www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811907011020 Whatson, T. (2006) Studying the brain Techniques and technology. In Exploring the Brain (2nd ed.), 11-41, The opened University, Milton Keynes.