PET Scan - GCSE Psychology Definition

A PET scan, or Positron Emission Tomography scan, is a special type of imaging test used to look at how parts of the brain function. It involves injecting a small amount of a safe radioactive substance into the body, which then helps create detailed, colourful pictures of the brain. These pictures show which areas of the brain are more active by highlighting them with brighter colours. PET scans are important in psychology because they help scientists and doctors understand how the brain works and can identify issues like brain disorders or the effects of illnesses. They can also show how certain activities or thoughts change brain activity, which can be useful for research in understanding behaviour and mental processes.