PSYC 1010 Midterm: Biological Psychology revision notes

• School: York University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1010
• Professor: ozzy mermut

Document Summary

To be able to outline and evaluate the different type of brain scans used. Learning outcomes: be able to outline (ao1) these brain scanning techniques, be able to apply (ao2) these techniques to aggression, be able to evaluate (ao3) the strengths and weaknesses of each of these scanning techniques. Strength: less harmful than pet scans which use a radioactive tracer (although x-rays can be damaging so we use them less frequently). There is no need to enter the body (unless a dye is used). Strength: detects structural changes in the brain to a good level (identifying tumours for example) and it can build a 3d image! Weakness: fmri gives a clearer image, so it is more likely to be used when scanning the brain. Weakness: ct scans require an x-ray to be taken, which can cause damage, most notably cancers! Though a radioactive tracer is used, it is less invasive than the alternative (surgery).