RESEARCH METHODS IN

BIOPSYCHOLOGY

Chapter 5: Biopsychology
 Terminology check!

● PET
● CT scan
● MRI
● fMRI
● EEG
● EOG
● ECG
● EMG
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METHODS TO STUDY THE NERVOUS
SYSTEM

● Methods of visualising the human

brain
● Recording psychophysiological
signals
● Invasive physiological and
pharmacological methods
 Methods of visualising the human
brain

Contrast x-rays, CT
scan, PET, MRI, fMRI

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Methods of Visualizing the Living Human
Brain - Structure

● Contrast X-rays
– cerebral angiography
● Computed Tomography (CT)
● Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
● Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
● Functional MRI (fMRI)
 Contrast X-rays
■ Inject
something
that absorbs
X-rays
■ Cerebral
angiography

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CT SCANS

● A computer assisted X-ray

procedure (computer
reconstruction)
● An X-ray scanner is rotated 1o
at a time over 180 o
● CT scan brain image not sharp;
used to visualize large tumors
● Horizontal sections
● Reveal structural
abnormalities, such as cortical
atrophy or lesions caused by a
stroke or trauma.
 Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

■ cross sectional images

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 CT SCAN

■ When:
Find cause of symptoms (confusion, vision
problems, headaches, paralysis)
Trauma
■ What:
bleeding in brain, clot, enlarged cavities,
fractures, disease, tumors

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 MRI SCANS

● Produces 3-D images with

high spatial resolution
MRI VS. CT SCANS

● Advantages of MRI
– No ionizing radiation exposure
– Better spatial resolution
– Horizontal, Frontal or Sagittal planes
● Disadvantages
– Cost
– No ferrous metal!
PET SCANS

● A positron emitting radionuclide is

injected (e.g., 2-deoxyglucose).
● Positrons interact with electrons
which produce photons (gamma
rays) traveling in opposite
directions.
● PET scanner detects the photons.
● Highlights brain areas that are
active, rather than equally showing
all brain structures
 PET Versus CAT

● CAT scans show brain

structures.
● PET scans reveal brain activity.
● CAT involves absorption of X-
rays.
● PET involves emission of
radiation by an injected or
inhaled isotope.
FUNCTIONAL MRI

● Images brain hemodynamics

(blood pressure in veins,
arteries)
● Advantages over PET:
– No injections need to be
given
– Structure and function
– Shorter imaging time
– Better spatial resolution
– 3-D images
 ■ Functional MRI (fMRI)

■ Visualizing
oxygen flow
in the brain

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 Stroke (using fMRI)

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 Recording psychophysiological
signals

EEG, EOG, EMG, ECG

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RECORDING PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY
SIGNALS

● Electroencephalography
(EEG)
● Electromyography
(EMG)
● Electrooculography
(EOG)
● Cardiovascular activity
– Heart rate (EKG/
ECG)
 Scalp Electroencephalography
(EEG)

EEG waves
reflect the sum
total of all of the
electrical events
in the head
(APs, EPSPs,
IPSPs, eye
movements,
blood flow, etc.);
● waves during
sleep or awake
19 states
 Electroencephalgram (EEG)

■ Measure overall brain activity

■ Epilepsy
■ Sleep Disorders (narcolepsy)
■ Monitor brain activity during anaesthesia

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 Electromyography

● the amplitude of EMG signals indicates the

combined level of tension in the underlying
muscle

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 Electrooculography (EOG)

● eye movements are recorded by placing

four electrodes around the eye;
● the signal results from the fact that the
front of eye is more positively charged
than the back
● USED in: ophthalmological diagnosis
and in recording eye movements.

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 Electrocardiogram (ECG)

● Checks for problems with the electrical

activity of your heart.
● Shows changes in cardiac function,
including heart rate, which reflects changes
in emotion.

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 INVASIVE PHYSIOLOGICAL METHODS IN
NONHUMANS

Stereotaxic Surgery
Lesion Methods

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 Stereotaxic Surgery
■ Used to position experimental devices
within the brain
■ Stereotaxic atlas – provides/
coordinates for locating structures
within the brain
■ Bregma – a point on the top of the
skull often used as a reference point
■ Sterotaxic instrument – used to hold
head steady and guide the device to
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be inserted Copyright © 2006 by Allyn and Bacon
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 Lesion Methods
■ Remove, damage, or destroy a part of
the brain to observe impact on
behavior
■ Types of lesions
■ Aspiration lesions – suction
■ Radio-frequency lesions (high frequency
current) – heat destroys tissue
■ Knife cuts – may damage surrounding area
■ Used to eliminate conduction in a nerve or tract

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