6. Localisation Of Function In The Brain AO3

Question 1

Name two strengths of localisation of function in the brain

Answer 1

1. Brain scan evidence to support it

2. Case study support

Question 2

Explain brain scan evidence for localisation of function

Answer 2

Peterson et al used scans to show activity in Wernicke’s area during a listening task - and in Broca’s area with a reading task

Question 3

What does Peterson et al studying two areas of the brain suggest

Answer 3

They have different functions

Question 4

What can be concluded from brain scan evidence

Answer 4

There is sound scientific evidence of localisation of function

Question 5

Explain why case study evidence supports the theory and give an example

Answer 5

Unique cases of neurological damage support localisation - Phineas Gage had serious brain damage from an accident

Question 6

Explain the Phineas Gage case study

Answer 6

He survived the accident - damage to his brain affected his personality - went from calm to quick tempered and rude

Question 7

What can be concluded from research into Phineas Gage

Answer 7

Changes in his temperament suggests frontal lobe may regulate mood

Question 8

Name a limitation of localisation of function in the brain

Answer 8

Contradictory research

Question 9

Explain the existence of contradictory evidence for localisation of function in the brain

Answer 9

Lashley’s research suggested higher cognitive functions are not localised but distributed in more holistic ways in the brain

Question 10

What did Lashley do in his study

Answer 10

Removed between 10% and 50% of the cortex in rats learning a maze

Question 11

What was found is Lashley’s study

Answer 11

Learning required every part of the cortex - not just particular areas

Question 12

What do Lashley’s findings suggest

Answer 12

Learning is too complex to be localised - involves the whole of the brain