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fMRI Scan - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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An fMRI scan, short for functional magnetic resonance imaging, is a type of brain scan that shows both the structure and activity of the brain. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain.

During the scan, it measures changes in blood flow, as active brain areas use more oxygen and need more blood. This helps scientists and doctors see which parts of the brain are working when a person is doing different tasks, like solving a problem or feeling an emotion.

fMRI scans are important in psychology because they help us understand how different parts of the brain are involved in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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