Brain activation refers to the process of measuring and mapping the changes in neural activity that occur in the brain in response to stimuli, tasks, or events. This research area typically involves using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or electroencephalography (EEG) to study which areas of the brain are active during specific cognitive or behavioral tasks. By studying brain activation patterns, researchers can gain insights into how different regions of the brain are involved in various processes such as perception, memory, language, emotion, and decision-making. Brain activation research is central to understanding the underlying neural mechanisms of cognitive functions and behaviors, as well as neurological and psychiatric disorders.