AO3 localisation of function in the brain Flashcards
Who conducted research to support localisation In the brain
-Research by Broca on a case study of a patient who could only say the word ‘tan’.
Could Broca’s patient still understand language?
-Yes because the damage was to Broca’s area not Wernickes area
What did the post mortem show about Broca’s patient?
-He had damage to an area In the left hemisphere which is now known as Broca’s area
How does Broca’s case study support localisation of function?
-This supports localisation because the function of Broca’s area is specifically to produce language.
Research to contradict localisation of function was conducted on who?
-patient EB
What happened to patient EB?
-Patient EB suffered severe brain damage in a motorcycle accident which lead to the removal of his left hemisphere thus removing his language centres.
What did patient EB manage to do after some time?
Patient EB managed to regain some of his language ability
Why does EB regaining some language ability contradict localisation of function?
-Because EB’s language centres were removed so regaining language would nit be possible if language centres were completely localised to the left hemisphere.
What explanation of brain functioning would be more appropriate?
-this suggests that a holistic explanation of brain functioning would be more appropriate as it shows language must be in more areas than the left hemisphere.
What can criticise both case studies?
-Both case studies lack population validity
Why may it not be appropriate to generalise the findings of the case studies?
-These are unique case studies where brain damage may have effected the way in which the brain functions, individuals may process language in different areas of the brain.
What is the A* point about the Broca’s area
-Some research has suggested that Broca’s area is not solely located in the left hemisphere but is found in the dominant cerebral hemisphere (opposite to dominant handedness)
What’s needed before reaching firm conclusions regarding localisation of function?
-more research is needed with more diverse samples before firm conclusions on the localisation of language areas is possible.
