6.5: Localisation of function in the brain

Question 1

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.

Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks)

Answer 1

The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain

Question 2

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.

Answer 2

Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain

Question 3

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.

Answer 3

Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information

Question 4

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.

Answer 4

Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves

Question 5

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.

Answer 5

Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes

Question 6

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.

Answer 6

The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex

Question 7

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.

Answer 7

Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement

Question 8

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.

Answer 8

Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature

Question 9

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

First AO3 paragraph

Answer 9

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function

Question 10

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
Example

Answer 10

For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language

Question 11

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.

Answer 11

This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding

Question 12

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.

Answer 12

This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks

Question 13

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.

Answer 13

This shows that the brain is localised

Question 14

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

Second AO3 paragraph

Answer 14

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production

Question 15

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.

Answer 15

Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks

Question 16

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.

Answer 16

This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner

Question 17

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.
This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner.

Third AO3 paragraph

Answer 17

The third AO3 paragraph is that in addition, not all research supports localisation of function, since there is research that suggests function is not fully localised in vision

Question 18

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.
This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner.

The third AO3 paragraph is that in addition, not all research supports localisation of function, since there is research that suggests function is not fully localised in vision.

Answer 18

For example, Bridgeman and Staggs found that individuals with damage to their visual cortex area show blindsight

Question 19

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.
This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner.

The third AO3 paragraph is that in addition, not all research supports localisation of function, since there is research that suggests function is not fully localised in vision.
For example, Bridgeman and Staggs found that individuals with damage to their visual cortex area show blindsight.

Answer 19

This is that they appear blind and report no vision, but they’re able to locate objects in their visual field by pointing to them

Question 20

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.
This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner.

The third AO3 paragraph is that in addition, not all research supports localisation of function, since there is research that suggests function is not fully localised in vision.
For example, Bridgeman and Staggs found that individuals with damage to their visual cortex area show blindsight.
This is that they appear blind and report no vision, but they’re able to locate objects in their visual field by pointing to them.

Answer 20

This is further illustrated through Overgaard et al’s case study of GR

Question 21

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.
This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner.

The third AO3 paragraph is that in addition, not all research supports localisation of function, since there is research that suggests function is not fully localised in vision.
For example, Bridgeman and Staggs found that individuals with damage to their visual cortex area show blindsight.
This is that they appear blind and report no vision, but they’re able to locate objects in their visual field by pointing to them.
This is further illustrated through Overgaard et al’s case study of GR.

Answer 21

GR was left cortically blind following a brain haemorrhage, but she was aware of stimuli, even though she could not see them (blindsight)

Question 22

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.
This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner.

The third AO3 paragraph is that in addition, not all research supports localisation of function, since there is research that suggests function is not fully localised in vision.
For example, Bridgeman and Staggs found that individuals with damage to their visual cortex area show blindsight.
This is that they appear blind and report no vision, but they’re able to locate objects in their visual field by pointing to them.
This is further illustrated through Overgaard et al’s case study of GR.
GR was left cortically blind following a brain haemorrhage, but she was aware of stimuli, even though she could not see them (blindsight).

Answer 22

This matters because if vision is fully localised to the visual cortex, people who are blind because of damage to that area shouldn’t be able to see

Question 23

Discuss the extent to which brain functions are localised.
Refer to evidence in your answer (16 marks).
The term localisation refers to the principle that specific functions originate in certain regions of the brain.
Research has been carried out since the 19th century to determine the functions of these different areas of the brain.
Firstly, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information.
Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves.
Secondly, the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for auditory processes.
The process starts at the cochlea which detects sound and then transports messages to the brain stem for basic processing, then onto the auditory cortex.
Thirdly, the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is responsible for coordinating movement.
Finally, the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe processes information relating to touch, pressure, pain and temperature.

The first AO3 paragraph is that there is research support for localisation of function.
For example, Broca studied Tan, a man with brain damage that resulted in him only being able to say one word, ‘tan,’ but he could understand spoken language.
This shows that his Broca’s area was damaged, as it is responsible for speech production, but not his Wernick’s area, which is responsible for language comprehension - understanding.
This is further supported by Peterson, who used brain scans to show that Wernick’s area was active during listening tasks.
This shows that the brain is localised.

The second AO3 paragraph is that However, Broca’s area may also be involved in responding to cognitive tasks like maths problems, not just language production.
Fedorenko et al. (2012) found two regions in Broca’s area - one for language and one for responding to cognitive tasks.
This matters because the brain may be even more localised than initially thought, as one area of the brain may have multiple functions and the brain may work in a more holistic manner.

The third AO3 paragraph is that in addition, not all research supports localisation of function, since there is research that suggests function is not fully localised in vision.
For example, Bridgeman and Staggs found that individuals with damage to their visual cortex area show blindsight.
This is that they appear blind and report no vision, but they’re able to locate objects in their visual field by pointing to them.
This is further illustrated through Overgaard et al’s case study of GR.
GR was left cortically blind following a brain haemorrhage, but she was aware of stimuli, even though she could not see them (blindsight).
This matters because if vision is fully localised to the visual cortex, people who are blind because of damage to that area shouldn’t be able to see.

Answer 23

This suggests that there are other pathways outside of the visual cortex that process unconscious sight, meaning that vision is not fully localised