How Brain Activity Is Measured

• The EEG is used to measure the electrical activities of the brain. The process is non-invasive and is done through the scalp with flat metal electrodes.
• Though due to its non-invasiveness what it shows is relatively limited, but regardless it is a valuable tool for analyzing brain dynamics over time.
• It helps indicate one's mental processes, mental state, and assists in diagnosing conditions like epilepsy or sleep disorder.

The use of EEG allows further research on the following:

• Memory processing during sleep
• Mental illness
• Providing further evidence in the differences in reward processing with those who suffer from mental illness

Moreover, the EEG has a mobile version "mobile EEG" that can study brain activities of real-world behaviors like kissing romantic partners.

Emission Computed Tomography is the most invasive method for brain imaging. Its name comes from the emission of radioactive energy by tracers injected into the blood - which is a signature aspect of this approach to understanding the brain.

The two major types of ECT are:

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET); and
• Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

Each of these uses different types of radioactive isotopes and they are monitored in the brain using different tools.

To use the ECT method is to inject radioactive atoms into the person's bloodstream and have them circulated into the brain. The energy emitted is monitored by external devices that provide information about their concentration in the brain. Lastly, a mathematical model allows the data on radiation to be translated into information about brain processes.

This method allows researchers to analyze one's physiological process in ways other forms of brain imaging cannot, and more.