CAT/CT Scans- Computerised Tomography
How do they work?
Multiple X-ray beams are passed around the head from different angles to gather more
information. This information is then interpreted by a computer and a detailed image of the
brain can be seen.
Evaluation
Strengths:
• The skull doesn’t have to be
cut in. Weaknesses:
• Useful in detecting areas of • Doesn’t give information
brain damage. on how the brain
• Useful in finding tumours. functions.
• Very detailed images that • X-rays used are
are useful when relating potentially harmful and
brain damage to changes in children should have
mental functioning. their exposure limited.
• Faster and cheaper than
PET and fMRI scans.
• Non-invasive.
Validity:
▪ Objective interpretation as it can easily identify structural damage.
▪ Provides a detailed 3D structural image which helps diagnosis but no
activity/functioning.
Reliability:
▪ High as it can be easily replicated following the same procedure (time & number of
scans produced).
Generalisability:
▪ Not suitable for pregnant women.
Ethics:
▪ Non-invasive.
▪ Radiation from X-rays can cause cell damage leading to cancer.
Time/Cost:
▪ Costs around £100. Scan is completed in around 5 minutes so very time effective.
How do they work?
Multiple X-ray beams are passed around the head from different angles to gather more
information. This information is then interpreted by a computer and a detailed image of the
brain can be seen.
Evaluation
Strengths:
• The skull doesn’t have to be
cut in. Weaknesses:
• Useful in detecting areas of • Doesn’t give information
brain damage. on how the brain
• Useful in finding tumours. functions.
• Very detailed images that • X-rays used are
are useful when relating potentially harmful and
brain damage to changes in children should have
mental functioning. their exposure limited.
• Faster and cheaper than
PET and fMRI scans.
• Non-invasive.
Validity:
▪ Objective interpretation as it can easily identify structural damage.
▪ Provides a detailed 3D structural image which helps diagnosis but no
activity/functioning.
Reliability:
▪ High as it can be easily replicated following the same procedure (time & number of
scans produced).
Generalisability:
▪ Not suitable for pregnant women.
Ethics:
▪ Non-invasive.
▪ Radiation from X-rays can cause cell damage leading to cancer.
Time/Cost:
▪ Costs around £100. Scan is completed in around 5 minutes so very time effective.
