Measuring the Brain

Electroencephalography

Electroencephalography (EEG): An EEG is used to record electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes on a person's scalp. It is better than some other imaging techniques in that it shows when brain activity occurs; however, it is not very accurate in locating where activity occurs.

Event-related potential (ERP): Electrical activity is taken from raw EEG data to measure cognitive processes. It will show brain activity linked with psychological tasks but exhibits poor spatial resolution.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields to produce finely detailed images of the brain's structure and soft tissues. It does not tell anything about activity, just structure.

Functional MRI (fMRI) provides information about brain activity occurring during assigned tasks by measuring blood oxygen.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

A PET scan measures blood flow to different areas of the brain so that researchers and medical personnel can determine which brain areas are active during certain situations.

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Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTT)

DTT is a method of brain measurement similar to MRI that measures white matter rather than gray matter. White matter refers to the long fibers of myelinated axons that are involved in communicating information among different areas of the brain. This allows examination of connections between brain regions rather than the regions themselves. DTI helps neurosurgeons locate important tracts to avoid during surgeries.

Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIRS)

NIRS uses light rather than magnets to produce images of brain tissue. This type of brain imaging is portable and can be used with infants.

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