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Studying the brain has always been problematic as there were few ways of investigating what part of the brain was functioning at a particular time. Over the last few decades many different types of brain scans have been developed (MRI, PET, MEG) which mean that we no longer have to wait for a participant to die to see if there are any brain abnormalities.

In the core studies we look at several studies in the physiological psychology area that try to see the effect of biology on out behaviour. More specifically the Raine (1997) study which looks at brain dysfunction in murders who are pleading NGRI. Within this study they make use of the PET scans, however as these use a radioactive tracer which binds to glucose in the blood stream there could still be the possibility that the results aren’t especially valid.

On possibility to improve the data collected is to use a newer type of scanning: MEG scans. Recently Wired have suggested that “Magneto-encephalography, or MEG, scanners are proving to be one of the most powerful tools in the hands of scientists using the machines to observe important details about epilepsy, brain tumors, emotions, pain perception and more.”

Further Reading and References:

  • http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2007/01/72277
  • http://www.mindhacks.com/blog/2007/01/meg_scanning_the_bra.html

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