Question

The past twenty years have seen advancements in technology that were critical to further understanding concepts in cognitive psychology. Two such developments are positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. These scans allow researchers to “see” the brain in action.

What kind of scan do you think would be best in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease?

How do the research tools (equipment and methodology) available today contribute to a greater understanding of “conscious processes and immediate experience” than was possible using trained introspection and structuralism?

Answer 1

In case of Alzheimer’s disease, brain scans can be used to detect brain tumours, strokes or brain haemorrhages, brain shrinkage and increased pressure of fluid in the brain. Routine brain scans include computerised tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These procedures are advantageous as they are relatively non-invasive and are only used for diagnosis in certain cases and can be used to detect characteristic patterns of brain damage associated with Alzheimer’s.

Please post the other questions separately as we are supposed to answer just one question or four sub parts of a question.