The truth is that Neuromarketing is simply the study of how the human brain responds to marketing stimuli. This helps marketers
understand the underlying reasons as to why consumers make the purchasing decisions they do. Consumers can usually define what they
want, how much they will pay, and maybe even what promotional activities appeal to them. All of this information is useful to marketers,
but equally as important is why. Where do these values come from? How does packaging play a role in their purchase decision? What is
going on deep in their brain when evaluating a product or promotion? There are two basic methods of tracking prospects’ brain activity;
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and electroencephalography (EEG), each with their own pros and cons. Utilizing fMRI
involves using a powerful magnet to track the brain’s blood flow as subjects respond to audio and visual cues. This allows examiners to
access a deep part of the brain known as the “pleasure center”. EEG, on the other hand, is much cheaper than fMRI. By using a cap of
electrodes attached to the sample’s scalp, it also allows for movement. These electrodes measure electrical waves produced by the brain
and allow researchers to track instinctual emotions such as anger, excitement, sorrow, and lust through fluctuations of activity. However,
unlike fMRI, EEG does not grant access to deep parts of the brain where the pleasure center is located