Neuroscience methods

There are literally hundreds of ways to manipulate and examine neurons and the nervous system. So let's keep it simple and understand a few common ways neuroscientists study neuroscience. 

Scientific premise is simple. Scientists change 'something' that they think is critical (experimental group) and they won't change 'something' for our control group. Then, they measure an output to determine if the manipulations had an effect. You may ask what is that 'something'? Well, each technique has its strengths and weaknesses that may (or may not) allow that something to be changed.

The biggest thing to remember is that scientists change 'something' and measure an output. In scientific jargon, the 'something' is the Independent Variable and the output measured in the Dependent Variable.

Techniques to measure the nervous system are vast! AND often several techniques are used together to verify conclusions or observations.

Matt Carter and Jennifer Shieh coauthored, "Guide to Research Techniques in Neuroscience" that is a highly recommended resource for those who want to know more.

• Image whole brains: PET, MRI, fMRI, DTI, and CT scans
• Image neural tissue: Staining single neurons, synaptic regions, whole brains sections
• Manipulate neural communication with Pharmacology (e.g. block dopamine 1 receptors or enhance serotonin 2 receptors)
• Genetics. Removing and adding genes and/or protein to determine how cells, animals, or people change.
• Electrophysiology: Directly manipulate and measure neuronal currents from single or clusters of neurons
• Biochemistry: Measuring protein, receptors, mRNA, DNA, or transcription factors to determine what changes their expression or function.
• Behavioral neuroscience: determine how behavior changes the brain's biochemistry and vice versa.
• Optogenetics: Turning on/off neurons with pulses of light