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Psychology HL BLOA ERQ
Discuss the use of brain imaging technologies to investigate the relationship between
biological factors and behavior.
Brain imaging technologies such as the PET and fMRI are used to further
investigate the relationship between biological factors and behaviors. A positron
emission topography (PET) scan monitors glucose metabolism in the brain. A
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides three-dimensional pictures
of brain structures, using magnetic fields and radio waves.
Positron emission tomography scans monitor the metabolism of glucose in
the brain. While under a PET scan, a patient is injected with radioactive glucose,
which is detected by the PET scanner. The scans then produce colored maps of brain
activity. PET Scans are helpful when studying and solving problems such as
Alzheimer’s disease. Disadvantages to using that PET scan are that the colors
produced during a PET scan can exaggerate the different activities of the brain. PET
Scans are also very expensive, and the scanning process can also take a very long
time to complete. An advantage to using the PET Scan is that it can record ongoing
activity in the brain. PET scans have allowed psychologists such as Gur Et Al.
A functional magnetic resonance imaging provides three-dimensional
pictures of the brains structures while using magnetic fields and radio waves. The
fMRI shows an accurate representation of brain activity. It also indicates which
areas of the brain are active when engaged in brain behavior. Unlike the PET scans,
fMRI brain scans provide a more precise resolution and they are an easier process
for patients. Psychologists such as Kim and Joy Hirsch and Marco Iacoboni used
fMRIs to carry out their experiments. Psychologists Karl Kim and Joy Hirsch
conducted an experiment in 1997 to see how brain processes languages in bilingual
Psychology HL BLOA ERQ
individuals. The Hirsch’s found that both groups used the same part of the
Wernicke’s area despite what language they were thinking in. However, people who
were bilingual from birth used the same region in the Broca’s area for both
language, whereas those who had learned a second language later in life…. An
advantage to using an fMRI in this experiment was that the fMRI shows actual brain
activity and indicates which areas of the brain are active when engaged in behavior.
In conclusion, brain imaging technologies such as the PET and the fMRI help
psychologists to further investigate the relationship between biological factors and
behaviors..