7.1.8

(2026 Exam) Studying the Brain (A2 only)

Test yourself on (2026 Exam) Studying the Brain (A2 only)

Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Images (fMRI)

Functional magnetic resonance images (fMRIs) are useful in the study of both structure and function of the brain.

MRI scanners

MRI scanners

  • In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a person is placed inside a machine that generates a strong magnetic field.
  • The magnetic field causes the hydrogen atoms in the body’s cells to move.
  • When the magnetic field is turned off, the hydrogen atoms emit electromagnetic signals as they return to their original positions.
  • Tissues of different densities give off different signals, which a computer interprets and displays on a monitor.
FMRIs

FMRIs

  • Like all cells, brain cells require glucose and oxygen to function.
  • fMRIs, through the use of radio waves and magnetic fields, detect changes in the levels of oxygen in the blood as the oxygenated blood responds differently.
  • Areas of the brain that are more active require more oxygenated blood; therefore can be identified by the fMRI.
Advantage

Advantage

  • An advantage of fMRI is good spatial resolution, meaning it can detect differences in structure and function in different areas of the brain.
    • For example, fMRI can distinguish within the millimetre range.
Disadvantage

Disadvantage

  • A disadvantage of fMRI is poor temporal resolution, meaning it cannot detect changes in brain activity over time.
  • Other disadvantages include high running cost and patients have to sit still for long periods of time in an enclosed space.

Electroencephalograms (EEG)

Technology has provided new insight into the structure, activity and function of the brain. The techniques of ERPs, EEGs and fMRIs have proved useful in studying localisation of brain function.

Method

Method

  • Electroencephalograms (EEG) are useful in the study of overall brain activity.
    • A patient is hooked up to an EEG.
    • Electrodes are placed on the scalp of the patient and this records brain activity.
    • Wave patterns are generated.
      • Different patterns are going to result from different stimuli.
Sleep studies

Sleep studies

  • These are often used in sleep studies, comparing brain activity during the different stages of sleep.
  • Generally, different wave patterns are created.
Advantage - high temporal resolution

Advantage - high temporal resolution

  • An advantage of EEGs is that they have high temporal resolution, meaning they show changes in brain activity over time well.
  • Subtle differences across seconds can be recorded and provide valuable information.
Disadvantage - poor spatial resolution

Disadvantage - poor spatial resolution

  • A disadvantage of EEGs is that they have poor spatial resolution, meaning they do not show brain activity of specific areas, only overall brain wave activity.
Jump to other topics
1

Social Influence

2

Memory

3

Attachment

4

(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5

(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6

Approaches in Psychology

7

Biopsychology

8

Research Methods

8.1

Research Methods

8.2

Scientific Processes

8.3

Data Handling & Analysis

8.4

Inferential Testing

9

Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10

Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1

Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2

Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3

(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4

(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11

Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12

Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13

Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14

Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15

Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16

Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17

Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18

Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

Practice questions on (2026 Exam) Studying the Brain (A2 only)

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
    Process of EEGs:Fill in the list
Answer all questions on (2026 Exam) Studying the Brain (A2 only)

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium