IB Psychology HL 2.1.3 Brain Imaging Questions

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "evaluate" requires candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of one technique used to study the brain in relation to behaviour. Although a discussion of both strengths and limitations is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.

Brain imaging techniques may include, but are not limited to: CT scans, EEG, fMRI, MRI, PET.

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Corkin's (1997) MRI of patient HM
- Eisenberger et al's (2003) study of rejection using an fMRI
- Fisher, Aron and Brown's (2005) study using fMRI to investigate dopamine and love.
- Harris and Fiske's (2006) study of response to out-groups using fMRI
- Maguire's (2000) study of hippocampal neuroplasticity in taxi drivers using MRI
- Raine et al.'s (1997) study of murderers using PET
- Sharot et al.'s (2007) study of flashbulb memories using fMRI.

Evaluation of the selected techniques may include, but is not limited to:
- ecological validity versus internal validity
- generally small sample sizes
- how brain imaging has changed the way we study the brain - eg improved ethical standards
- invasive elements of some techniques
- limitations of correlational research
- researcher biases in the interpretation of brain scans

The focus of the response should be on the evaluation of the technique used to study the brain. Although an understanding of how the technique works may be beneficial, it is not required for marks in the top band.

If a candidate evaluates more than one technique, credit should be given only to the first technique evaluated.

If the candidate addresses only strengths or only limitations, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion D: critical thinking. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the best fit approach.