Biopsychology: Localisation of Function

Question 1

Define localisation of function.

Answer 1

the theory that specific areas of the brain are associated with particular physical and psychological functions

Question 2

Define lateralisation.

Answer 2

the dominance of one hemisphere of the brain for particular physical and psychological functions

Question 3

What is the Central Core?

Answer 3

Regulates primitive and involuntary behaviours
- sneezing, sleeping, breathing, eating, drinking

Question 4

What is the Limbic System?

Answer 4

“Lizard brain”
Controls our emotions
Sits around the central core
Contains structures such as the hippocampus (helps with learning and memory)

Question 5

What is the Cerebrum?

Answer 5

Regulates higher intellectual processes
Outer layer of the cerebral cortex
Appears grey because of the location of cell bodies (“grey matter”)
Made up of the two hemispheres

Question 6

Evidence FOR Localisation of Function.

Answer 6

Brain Scans
- Steven Peterson et al 1988 used brain scans
- Wernicke’s area was active during a listening task
- Broca’s area was active during a reading task

Neurosurgery
- Damage to the brain have been linked with mental disorders

Question 7

Evidence AGAINST Localisation of Function.

Answer 7

Brain Scans
- HOWEVER Karl Lashley removed areas of the cortex in rats that were learning the route through a maze
- No area proved to be more important in terms of the rat’s ability to learn the route
- suggests higher cognitive processes aren’t localised but distributed holistically

Neuroplasticity
- Ability of the NS to change its activity in response to an intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganising its structure, functions of connections after injury
- Suggests the brain can adapt and compensate for lost functions
- Suggests functions aren’t limited to certain areas of the brain