Imaging Techniques and Cognitive Function Essay examples -- Medicine

Neuro imagery is a multidiscipline science and experts from the line of psychology, statistics, physics and physiology all contribute to its further development (Poldrack et al., 2007). In the live on 20 years the resource techniques developed from single proton emission imagery (SPET) to positron emission tomography (PET) and finally to serviceable magnetic sonority imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging) (Page, 2006). Their applications are numerous in experimental and cognitive psychology. However, at one level they can constitute an some other dependent unsettled ( caput 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 will argue that imaging techniques not only tell us about the brain structure but also try to explain its cognitive functions. Two non-invasive imaging techniques will be put forward, namely, electroencephalogram (EEG) that measures electrical activity and gives nice temporal resolution and fMRI that is based on changes in air supply and provides excellent spatial resolution. The claim will be evaluated in the light of their basic assumptions, methodology and contribution to examining the brain function. Relevant record 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 msec temporal resolution and it provides the most direct measure correlate of ongoing brain processing 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 neuroim aging tell the cognitive psychologist?. Cortex A Journal Devoted To The conduct 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 Open University, Milton Keynes.