Final answer:
The fMRI allows researchers to study brain activity by mapping blood flow changes, facilitating understanding of the brain's functioning in health and disease. It provides insights that were traditionally gleaned from post-mortem studies and backs neuromodulation therapies aimed at enhancing cognitive functions. Neurofeedback, using EEG and operant conditioning, is another method used for brain activity training.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI is a revolutionary tool for researchers to study brain functioning. Unlike traditional MRI, fMRI measures changes in brain tissue in response to different stimuli and tasks, allowing researchers to examine which areas of the brain are more active during specific activities, such as performing visual tasks or during dreaming. Through this advanced imaging technique, blood flow changes associated with neural activity are mapped, providing a three-dimensional representation of active brain regions. Notably, fMRI is instrumental in making causal inferences about brain behavior relationships, offering a more comprehensive understanding than what was possible with post-mortem studies.
fMRI has also paved the way for neuromodulation methodologies like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and non-invasive brain stimulation that include transcranial electric or magnetic stimulation. These techniques have demonstrated enhancements in cognitive functions like memory and attention. Moreover, neurofeedback utilizes EEG patterns to train individuals in producing desired brain states, furthering our ability to understand and potentially improve cognitive performance.