Functional Magnetic Resonace Imaging (fMRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) are medical devices that provide spacial internal images of the human body. In mindfulness studies, they excel at distinguishing specific regions of the brain which are most active or "light up" during the active practice of mindfulness meditation. However they fail to indicate the kind of neural activity those regions are engaged in.

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Research methods concerning the neurobiology of mindfulness follow the standard scientific model, incorporating a hypothesis, an experimental group, and a control group. Empirical evidence is commonly collected in the form of brain scans via one or more methods including fMRI, PET, and EEG. Such experiments began in the 1960's and have delivered valuable insight into long-term and short-term effects of mindfulness-based practice, but these advanced methods are not infallible. Notable inconsistencies exist within the data likely due to the wide range of mindfulness styles studied as well as a bias to study more experienced practitioners. Data suggests that researchers would benefit from distinguishing the type of mindfulness practice being studied as well as the intent of that practice. 

Research Methods - Neurobiology of Mindfulness

Fabrizio, D. (ed.). (2009). Clinical handbook of mindfulness. Springer. 

Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a medical device that detects abnormalities in the electrical activity of the brain. Excels in distinguishing between broad-spectrum changes in the neural activity of the brain, such as Aplha waves which represent relaxed attention and Delta waves which represent sleep states. Lacks in spatial resolution and cannot detect distinct regions of the brain. 

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