Disadvantages Of Brain Imaging Technology

Brain imaging technologies allow neuroscientists and neurologists the ability to see inside the brain through the use of different technology and techniques such as CAT, MRI, fMRI & EEG scans (Nigel Holt et al., 2012). With the information obtained neurologists/scientists to locate and determine areas of the brain and their relationship with the functions in the human body. Brain imaging technology also allows neurologists to locate possible areas in the brain that may be affected by neurological/psychiatric disorders. Without a doubt, it has been scientifically proven that there is a relationship between biological factors and human behaviour.

There are two distinct types of brain imaging which are: structural brain imaging and functional

MRI scans are considered to be practical because they are generally easy to use and understand, and most hospitals already have access to the machinery required for an MRI scan. It is also said that it is safer than other brain imaging techniques, for example CAT scans, because unlike a CAT scan an MRI doesn’t use radiation which allows individuals to be tested repeatedly without risk.

To the contrary, MRI scans tag along with several disadvantages such as price since it is very expensive. It’s also specifically only used in activation studies and can seem to be defective because even minor movements during the MRI scan can cause an impact on the quality of the images which can be misinterpreted. Additionally the MRI scan cannot be done on everyone (e.g. obese people & people with pacemakers) and also it causes irritation amongst claustrophobic individuals who wish to have the MRI scan due to the confined

In 2004 the experiment had 18 participants of which 10 were novice meditators and 8 were Buddhist monks who have had over 10,000 hours of meditation experience. Davidson used the EEG to measure the gamma wave activity in the Buddhist monks and the controlled groups brain during meditation and without meditation. The findings concluded that there was an increase of gamma wave activity in all the monks as well as in two of the controls (novice meditators). However in the control group the gamma wave production stop when they stopped meditating whereas the monks' gamma waves continued and were proven to be significantly larger in comparison with the control group (Davidson et al 2004).

In conclusion to this, through the use of brain imaging technologies scientist, doctors and researchers are able to distinguish different areas of the brain and its functions and if there are any neurological disorders or issues which may affect the behaviour of an individual. Therefore brain imaging technologies supports the fact there is a relationship between biological factors and