Neuroimaging Methods

For most of human history, the study of the human brain has been limited to either direct examination of the physical properties of a lifeless brain, such as through a microscope, or the inference of brain function through behavior, which is the domain of psychology research. The possibility of studying the living human brain directly did not become a reality until the late 20th century with the development of modern neuroimaging tools. These powerful techniques have subsequently revolutionized the study of the mind and behavior by enabling observation of the brain in vivo. Scientists now have direct access to observe the structure and function of the brain, how it develops and malfunctions, and how these properties relate to human cognition and behavior.

Because most clinical and ...