Biopsychology - Localisation Of Function AO3

Question 1

What is a strength of localisation of function theory (neurosurgery)?

Answer 1

P - one strength of the localisation of function theory is there a support from neurosurgery.
E - neurosurgery is used to treat mental disorders for example cingulotomy involves isolating the cingulate gyrus - dysfunction of this area may cause OCD.
E - Dougherty et al studied 44 people with OCD who had a cingulotomy. At the follow up 30% met the criteria for successful response and 14% for partial response.
L - the success of such procedures strongly suggest that behaviours associated with serious mental disorders may be localised.

Question 2

What is another strength of localisation of function (brain scan evidence)?

Answer 2

P - a strength of localisation of function theory is brain scan evidence to support it.
E - Peterson used brain scans to show activity in Wernicke’s area during a listening task and in Broca’s during a reading task.
E - also a study of long-term memory by Tulving revealed memories are located in different parts of the prefrontal cortex.
L - There now exists a number of sophisticated and objective methods for measuring activity in the brain, providing sound scientific evidence of localisation of function.

Question 3

What is a limitation of localisation of function?

Answer 3

P - limitation of localisation of function theory is the language localisation model has been questioned.
E - Dick and Tremblay found that very few research is still believed language is only in Broca’s and Wernicke’s area.
E - Advanced techniques have identified regions in the right hemisphere and the thalamus.
L - This suggests that rather than being confined to a couple of key areas, language maybe organised more holistically in the brain, which contradict localisations theory.