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The Chalkboard Show

Hosted by Marije Jansma

A Triple M Production © 2014

WELCOME BACK TO…

TODAY’S SPEAKERS:Dr. Melissa Kew & Dr. Meagan Cornish

TODAY’S TOPIC:Brain Imaging Research Funding

“The results of brain imaging techniques are popular not only with many brain researchers but also with the public, the media and even government funding agencies. My fear is that brain imaging studies divert limited funding away from more important but less ‘sexy’ psychological research that attempts to understand human behaviour and wellbeing!”

Brain Imaging Techniques have advanced immensely.

Is funding justified? Or is it a popular fad that takes away from more understanding and progression in psychology?

Brain Imaging – What is the Problem?

Overview

Neuro-Medical ImagingStrengths and Limitations of Medical ImagingResearch Pro and ConsSummary and Discussion

Dr. Meagan Cornish – Deakin Researcher

says “YES! Funding is justified.”

•Multiple Medical Imaging

• Various Uses

• Strengths of Medical Imaging

Neuro-Medical Imaging

• Brain Imaging/ Suicide Prevention

• Children with Asperger’s/ non verbal learning disabilities

• Neuroimaging detecting white matter, grey matter and CSF

• Functional MRI’s

Researched Evidence of Strengths

• Exposure to Radiation

• Resolution of the Imaging

• Functional Imaging gained unable to be gained by other means

• Not recommended for pregnant women

• Children can have imaging but be avoided wherever possible

• Accuracy of the imaging

Limitations of Medical Imaging

• fMRI Studies and Safety

• MRI and Mild Brain Injury

Evidence of Limitations

In Summary…

More funding towards this research is well justified because…

Dr. Melissa Kew – Deakin Researcher

says “No! Funding should go elsewhere.”

Overview

IntroductionFood NutritionExerciseFacebookSame-Sex Parenting….and more

What is “less sexy”? Psychological Research

Introduction

“My fear is that brain imaging studies divert limited funding away from more important but less ‘sexy’ psychological research that attempts to understand human behaviour and wellbeing!”

• Food Nutrition and Behaviour, Scotland, 2007

• Scottish Government Strategic Research Programme (SRP)

• Related Illnesses Obesity (Heart Disease, Sleep Apnea, Stroke) Dietary (Diabetes Type 2)

Food Nutrition

Genetic Modification of the Effects of Exercise Behaviour on Mental Health, 2014

Genetic Variation influence Exercise Behaviour and Ability

Types and Intensity of ExerciseAbsence of Competitive Elements

Exercise

• Sexy and Revealing Post

• Negative Consequence on Physical, Social and Competency

• Personal and Social Acceptance

Facebook

• Measurement on Same-Sex Parents and Children Health and Wellbeing, Australia, 2011

• Negative Mental, Emotional Stigma and Homophobia

• Unfavourable Healthcare Environment and Inability to Freely Discuss Health Issues

Same-Sex Parenting

• Cigarette Smoking

• Drinking

• Cultural Differences in Sexual Relationships

Other areas that need funding:

•In Summary…

Less funding should go into brain imaging techniques and more funding should go to other research because…

MORE FUNDING LESS FUNDING

The brain is one of our vital organs and we still have so much more to

discover

Brain imaging can assist in preventing suicide

It helps children with Asperger’s and non-verbal learning disabilities

Popularity = Awareness = Health!

Psychology should enhance understanding of behaviour and

wellbeing

Many other important areas that need funding: nutrition, exercise,

effects of social media, ever evolving cultural changes

These could decrease the need for brain imaging in the first place!

….in Conclusion?

The Chalkboard Show

We have heard from both sides, but as usual on

“The Chalkboard Show”

we want to hear from YOU!

Should funding go to brain imaging or should it go elsewhere?

What does the Audience think?

Thanks for watching and listening today!

The Chalkboard Show