Practise Edexcel Psychology questions on PET and fMRI scans, applying brain-imaging features, objective data and validity to biological research.
Describe how a CAT scan is used in biological psychology.
(2)
AO1 (2 marks)
Credit up to two marks for accurate description.
For example:
- Psychologists use CAT scans to detect whether there are any
abnormalities in the brain that may be causing a specific
behaviour such as aggression (1). CAT scans pass multiple X-
rays through the brain which are then constructed into a 3D
image of the brain by a computer (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(2)
Explain one strength and one weakness of the use of CAT scans in biological psychology.
(4)
Strength
Weakness
( )
AO1 (2 marks) A03 (2 marks)
Credit one mark for accurate identification of one strength and one
weakness. (AO1)
Credit one mark for justification of one strength and one weakness.
(AO3)
For example:
Strength
- CAT scans give objective data as the computer forms an image
from the scan (1), so increasing the reliability of the results from
the CAT scan as the results are not subjective (1).
Weakness
- CAT scans emit radiation which means they can be harmful to
some people (1), therefore they may cause harm to some people
such as the foetus if a woman does not know she is pregnant (1).
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(4)