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Modern neuroscience relies on brain scanning techniques to study the structure and function of the brain. These techniques have transformed our understanding of the brain and its role in behaviour, cognition, and mental health. For GCSE Psychology, you need to know about the main scanning techniques and their strengths and limitations.
PET scans measure brain activity by detecting the radioactive tracer injected into the participant's bloodstream.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| What it measures | Brain activity — which areas are most active during a task |
| How it works | A radioactive tracer is injected; active brain areas use more glucose and receive more blood flow; the scanner detects the radiation |
| What it shows | Colour-coded images showing areas of high and low activity |
| Temporal resolution | Poor — shows activity averaged over minutes, not seconds |
| Spatial resolution | Moderate — can identify which brain regions are active |
Used in: Tulving's memory study (showing different brain regions for episodic and semantic memory)
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