Biopsychology - localisation of function Flashcards
localisation of function
specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific behavioural and cognitive functions
lateralisation
each hemisphere of the brain has functions specialised to that side
left brain functions/activities
logic, maths, languages, facts, think in words
right brain functions/activities
creativity, imagination, intuition, arts, feelings, visualisation
cerebral cortex
outer layer that lies on top of cerebrum, separated in to lobes
occipital lobe
visual processing in the visual cortex in both hemispheres, contralateral. area V1 specifically important
contralateral
side of brain controls functions of opposite side of body.
temporal lobe
auditory processing (sound and speech), contralateral
parietal lobe
somatosensory cortex, interpreting touch and sensation. contralateral and next to motor cortex
frontal lobe
motor cortex at the back of frontal lobe, voluntary movement, contralateral
where are language areas located in the brain
left hemisphere
Broca’s area
left frontal lobe, speech production, speaking in short sentences, damage causes slow, laborious speech with no fluency (Broca’s aphasia)
Wernicke’s area
left temporal lobe, language comprehension, damage causes nonsense words (Wernicke’s aphasia)
strengths of localisation of function
+ case study evidence Gabby Giffords
+ brain scan evidence. Peterson et al (1988) - Werwicke’s active when reading and Broca’s active when listening. Tulving et al (1994) semantic and episodic memories: different parts of prefrontal cortex active.
+ neurosurgical treatment evidence, treated OCD by surgery (mental disorders are localised)
weaknesses of localisation of function
- evidence of holism. Lashley (1950) - learning isn’t localised, how much damage more important than what part damaged
- plasticity, brain can reorganise to regain function
- case studies, brain damaged in multiple areas so other areas could be responsible for functions
