EEG vs. fMRI: temporal resolution
A researcher needs to measure brain responses to a sound with millisecond precision. Which method is best?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
fMRI measures blood oxygenation, which lags neural activity by seconds. It has better spatial resolution.
B
PET tracks radioactive tracers over seconds to minutes.
C
CT shows structure, not activity.
D
Correct. EEG records electrical activity directly with millisecond timing, though its spatial resolution is poor.
TakeawayEEG: excellent timing, poor localization. fMRI: good localization, slow timing.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps165.