One contemporary debate within the field of psychology centers on the role of neuroimaging as evidence in the field. Some scholars believe that identifying brain areas and activities involved in different behaviors is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the mind. Others feel that the value of neuroimaging studies is overblown and that this methodology is just another tool in the psychologist’s toolbox. Some people also have ethical concerns about some of the uses of this technology. What do you think?

Learning Goal: I’m working on a psychology question and need guidance to help me learn.

Discussion

One contemporary debate within the field of psychology centers on the role of

neuroimaging as evidence in the field. Some scholars believe that identifying brain areas

and activities involved in different behaviors is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the

mind. Others feel that the value of neuroimaging studies is overblown and that this

methodology is just another tool in the psychologist’s toolbox. Some people also have

ethical concerns about some of the uses of this technology. What do you think? Be sure to

draw on the resources from this week to support your positions.

To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric PDF document.

Video: Introduction to fMRI (6:41)

This video was originally made for a neuromarketing lab in Australia. It provides a nice

overview of how fMRI is used in psychological research.

Video: fMRI Fights Depression (2:35)

This is a look at how fMRI can be used to help answer an important research question about

depression.

Video: Neuromarketing (3:10)

This video explores the new field of neuromarketing, the application of neuroimaging to

market research.