# Brain-imaging techniques

> IB Psychology · IB Psychology 2027 First Assessment
> Source: https://www.owlsprep.com/study/ib-psychology-bio-brain-imaging-techniques/

The use of using one or more brain imaging techniques in investigating human behaviour.

## Learning objectives

- The use of using one or more brain imaging techniques in investigating human behaviour.

## How often is this tested?

Based on OwlsPrep's analysis of official CIE IB_PSYCH P1 past papers (2019–2025): **Brain-imaging techniques** appears **7 times** in the last 7 years — **3.1%** of all P1 questions (7 of 228).

Most-tested forms: Essay: Discuss (22 marks) (3), Essay: Evaluate (22 marks) (2), SAQ: Outline (9 marks) (2).

## Core concept

Brain-imaging techniques let researchers see the working brain without surgery. fMRI tracks blood-oxygen changes as a proxy for neural activity (good spatial detail); PET uses a radioactive tracer; EEG records electrical activity with excellent timing but poor location. They are used to link functions to regions and to compare groups. Crucially they show correlation — this area is active while X happens — not proof that the area causes X, and the artificial scanner setting can lower ecological validity.

## Key studies

IB Psychology answers must be supported by named studies. Learn these to cite as evidence:

**Saxe & Kanwisher (2003)** — fMRI showed the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) activated when people reasoned about others' beliefs. — *Imaging links a social-cognitive function (theory of mind) to a specific region.*

**Sharot et al. (2007)** — People closer to the 9/11 attacks showed selective amygdala activation when recalling the event. — *Imaging supplies a biological correlate of emotionally-charged 'flashbulb' memory.*

## Evaluation (AO3)

**Strength — objective, non-invasive map** — Gives a replicable spatial picture of activity that self-report cannot, safely and in living participants.

**Limitation — correlational & artificial** — Activity co-occurring with a task is not proof the region causes it; lying still in a scanner is low in ecological validity, and fMRI has poor temporal resolution.

## Scope

> **note**
>
> Techniques are covered as tools of the approach; the localization claims they support are BIO_7, and imaging as a research method also connects to Research methodology.

## Common pitfalls

- **Wrong:** A scan shows the area that 'causes' or is solely 'for' the behaviour.
  - Why it fails: A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
  - Correct: Imaging shows co-occurring activity — a correlation. Causal claims need converging lesion or stimulation evidence.

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