7- lateralisation of function

Question 1

what is lateralisation of function

Answer 1

idea that 2 different hemispheres in the brain have different specialisations

Question 2

what are the left and right hemispheres dominant for

Answer 2

• left = language

- right = face recognition

Question 3

how are the 2 hemispheres of the brain connected

Answer 3

by a bundle of nerve fibres called the corpus callosum

Question 4

which hemisphere controls what

Answer 4

• right hemisphere controls the left side of the body

- left hemisphere controls the right side of the body

Question 5

positive evaluation for lateralisation of function (1)

Answer 5

+ increases neural processing capacity which is adaptive (lateralisation in chickens is associated with an ability to perform two tasks simultaneously )

Question 6

negative evaluation of lateralisation of function (1)

Answer 6

• individual differences in how the brain functions (JW developed capacity to speak using the right hemisphere so could speak about info presented to both hemispheres)

Question 7

what is split-brain surgery

Answer 7

surgeons cut the corpus callosum to prevent violent electrical activity caused by epileptic seizures crossing between hemispheres

Question 8

describe Sperry and Gazzaniga’s research into split brain patients

Answer 8

• patient stares at dot on the centre of the screen
• information is presented in either the left or right visual field
• asked to respond with left hand (right hemisphere) or right hand (left hemisphere) or verbally (left hemisphere)

Question 9

negative evaluation of split-brain research (3)

Answer 9

• disconnection between hemisphere is greater in some patients than others so research can’t be generalised
• many studies have as few as 3 participants so can’t generalise results
• lacks ecological validity as in the real word there is unrestricted use of both visual fields