In the context of cognitive neuroscience, which technique is best for assessing individual neuron function?

Single-cell recording is the technique that allows researchers to assess the function of individual neurons with high precision. This method involves inserting a microelectrode into or near a single neuron to measure its electrical activity as it responds to stimuli or engages in neural communication. This direct measurement provides detailed information about the firing patterns and response properties of that neuron, which is crucial for understanding the role of specific neurons in cognitive processes.

In contrast, other techniques measure neural activity on a broader scale or do not provide the same level of specificity. For example, electroencephalography (EEG) captures electrical activity from large groups of neurons over the scalp, offering insights into overall brain activity but not the behavior of individual neurons. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides information about brain activity based on blood flow changes but lacks the temporal and spatial resolution to pinpoint single-neuron activity. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can influence neuronal activity and is often used to study causal relationships in brain function, but it does not directly measure the activity of individual neurons.

Thus, single-cell recording is uniquely suited for investigating the precise function of individual neurons, making it the best choice in this context.