Brain Imaging Methods in Lifespan Psychology
Research on human development seeks to delineate the variable and invariant properties of age-graded changes in the organization of brain–behavior–environment systems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have become indispensable tools for the noninvasive assessment of brain function, anatomy, microstructure, and metabolism. This project seeks to ascertain and improve the measurement quality of standard brain imaging protocols and to complement the standard repertoire by additional methods that carry promise for understanding the ways in which brains change as a function of maturation, learning, and senescence.
Central questions in lifespan psychology often are about the range and direction of change and variability, be it longitudinal change observed over years and decades, intervention-induced change over weeks and months, or fluctuations that occur from day to day and from moment to moment. Random measurement error and systematic drifts can compromise the reliable measurement of change. Hence, the project takes a special interest in exploring, safeguarding, and improving the precision and temporal stability of measurement.
Selected Publications
Project Master Theses
2018
Maximilian Michael Wichmann (Medizinphysik, Technische Universität Dortmund):
Reliability of Principal Fibre Tract Orientation Using Different High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging Methods
2015
Paul Enggruber & Felix Kreis (Physik, Technische Universität Berlin):
Development of Three-Dimensional Spectrally Selective Phosphorus Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Analysing Metabolism in the Human Brain
2014
Tian Yang (Medizintechnik, Technische Universität Berlin):
Measurement of Image Artifacts in Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)