Imaging Techniques and Cognitive Function Essay - 2339 Words

Neuroimaging is a multidiscipline science and experts from the field of psychology, statistics, physics and physiology all contribute to its further development (Poldrack et al., 2007). In the last 20 years the imaging techniques developed from single proton emission tomography (SPET) to positron emission tomography (PET) and finally to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (Page, 2006). Their applications are numerous in experimental and cognitive psychology. However, at one level they can constitute another dependent variable (brain activity) as a response to an independent variable (stimulus manipulation) and at the other level, understanding the structure and processes of the brain can shed light on ‘normal’ cognitive†¦show more content†¦In case of EEG, the basic assumption is that the brain generates electricity and its magnitude varies depending on its activity, which in turn can be aroused by presentation of certain stimuli. The brain activity is recorded using a system of electrodes or sensors placed at the surface of the scalp; the continuous or spontaneous EEG (voltage fluctuations) is clinically useful, for example, in diagnosing epilepsy or predicting seizures (Johnsrude and Hauk, 2010). However, in cognitive psychology studies more sophisticated data is required to investigate specific perceptual or cognitive processes. Therefore, the electrical signals resulting from a particular cognitive event, such as seeing an object, are averaged over many trials, usually 30-100 stimuli trials are required to obtain reliable components (Menon Crottaz-Herbette, 2005). The averaged data is referred to as the event-related potential (ERP) and it produces a single waveform that consists of a series of positive (P) and negative (N) peaks, where each peak is described in relation to the time in milliseconds after the stimulus presentation (Eysenck, 2010). Additionally, stimulus-evoked potentials in healthy adults usually reach maximum amplitude of 75ÃŽ ¼V (Menon Crottaz-Herbette, 2005). However, the measured signal can also contain noise that has to be reduced by either filtering or baseline correctionShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Cognitive Neuroscientists892 Words   |  4 PagesCognitive neuroscientists use several brain imaging methods that look at the structure or function of the brain to study cognition. Position emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), electroencephalograph (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are all commonly used techniques. Neuroscientists want to use these techniques to construct theoretical models that represent and explain brain organisation and function (Eysenck KeaneRead MoreEeg Essay1242 Words   |  5 PagesBNCS311 INTRODUCTION TO BRAIN AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES Electroencephalography (EEG) Brain Imaging: Function, Pros and Cons Submit To: Prof. Dr. Christian Wallraven Cognitive Systems Lab Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering wallraven@korea.ac.kr Done by: Dk Norhaziratulbillah Pg Hj Hashim 2015951229 Visiting Student Program (VSP) Spring 2015 One of the most complex systems that researchers are continuously demand to understand is the human brain. The human brain consistsRead MoreAdvance Assessment Of Concussion Diagnosis1542 Words   |  7 Pagesobjective. 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