Biological Approach - Localization

Question 1

What is Localization of function?

Answer 1

Theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions

Question 2

The brains structure

Outline both hemispheres and 4 lobes with their functions

Answer 2

Two Hemispheres: left and right

Four Lobes:

Frontal - creativity, mood, memory

Parietal - language, higher thinking

Temporal - hearing, speech, perception

Occipital - vision

Question 3

What is the Limbic system

Answer 3

The emotional brain –> researched for its role in memory and emotion

Question 4

State the name and function of the key parts of the Limbic System

Answer 4

Amygdala: formation of emotional memory and fear responses

Basal Ganglia: habit forming and procedural memory

Hippocampus: transfer of short-term memory to long-term memory

Hypothalamus: homeostasis, emotion, hunger, controls autonomic nervous system and pituitary glands

Nucleus Accumbens: Addiction and motivation

Question 5

Research studies used for Localization of function

Answer 5

HM Case Study
Maguire et al - Quasi Experiment
Antonova et al - true experiment

Question 6

AMRC of HM case study

Answer 6

A - To cure HM’s epileptic seizures through surgery

M - Scoville removed 8cm of hippocampal tissue from HM’s anterior two thirds of the hippocampus. Once extent of memory loss was realized Milner started her cognitive studying of HM

R - HM developed anterograde amnesia (lost the ability to develop new memories). He lost memory of everything which had happened after the surgery

C - The removal of hippocampal tissue led HM to develop total anterograde amnesia and partial retrograde amnesia

Question 7

Evaluation of HM case study

Answer 7

Positives
- Case study method
- Longitudinal study
- Theoretical generalizability
- Method triangulation
- Ecological validity

Negatives
- Ethics
- Retrospective study
- Impact of medication for epilepsy
- Possible researcher bias