Biology and Behavior Neuroscience  Scientific study of the brain and of the links between brain activity and behavior

Studying the Brain: Research Methods EEG (electroencephalograph) – - Device for recording brain waves, typically by electrodes placed on the scalp - Measures electrical activity in the brain

Studying the Brain: Research Methods  Damage studies/Lesioning  Tissue damage that results from disease or injury  Epilepsy – Brain disorder that is often marked by seizures and loss of consciousness; caused by out-of-control electrical activity in the brain

Studying the Brain: Research Methods  Electrical stimulation (ESB)  Most research is done with animals  Sometimes used in humans to “map” brains before surgery

Studying the Brain: Research Methods  Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)  Magnetic paddle causes “virtual” lesions, temporarily disabling part of the brain

 Brain imaging – recordings of the brain’s electrical or biochemical activity at specific sites  Computerized Tomography (CT): computer enhanced X-ray of brain structure Studying the Brain: Research Methods

 Positron Emission Tomography (PET)  Records radioactivity emitted by cells during cognitive and behavioral activities  Shows function of the brain

Studying the Brain: Research Methods  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)  Scans the brain using magnetic fields and radio waves  Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)  Detects magnetic changes in blood flow to cells and oxygen level in the brain to show areas of high activity