electroencephalogram (EEC):
- records patterns of electrical brain waves
- reveals areas that are most active during particular tasks or changes in mental states.
- can trace abnormal brain waves caused by brain malfunctions such as epilepsy.
positron emission tomography (PET) scan:
- researchers inject a harmless radioactive form of glucose into the bloodstream
- PET scan shows colour-coded, computer-generated images of the brain providing information about glucose metabolism
- originally designed to test abnormalities - now also used to identify which brain areas are active during ordinary activities
computerised tomography (CT) scan:
- uses x-rays to create a static picture of the brain, revealing the effects of strokes, tumors, and other brain disorders
- widely used in research because it is the least expensive type of imaging
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
- uses a high-frequency magnetic field to produce detailed, high-resolution pictures of the brain
- used to map brain structures and identify abnormalities