Chapter 7 Revision Questions

Question 1

Explain the characteristics of Broca’s aphasia.

Answer 1

• Speech is non-fluent (speech involves great effort and is laboured)
• Anomia
• Articulation difficulties and words may be mispronounced
• Agrammatism
• Difficulty with writing
• May be mild comprehension difficulties

Question 2

Explain the characteristics of Wernicke’s aphasia.

Answer 2

• Speech is fluent but doesn’t make sense
• Anomia
• Nonsense words are used (sentences may seem grammatical, but the person may use meaningless words)
• Difficulty understanding both written and spoken language
• Difficulty producing both written and spoken language that makes sense to others

Question 3

List limitations on generalising the findings of aphasia studies.

Answer 3

1. Broca’s and Wernicke’s area vary in location between different people
2. Brain scans reveal that many areas of the brain are associated with language use and this pattern of brain activation changes depending on the person and how language is being used at any given moment
3. Extent of the effects of aphasia on language can vary in different people

Question 4

Define spatial neglect.

Answer 4

A disorder in which the person affected systematically ignores stimuli on one side of their body

Question 5

What causes spatial neglect?

Answer 5

Damage in the posterior region of the right parietal lobe

Question 6

What implications does spatial neglect have on consciousness?

Answer 6

It can:

1. Limit perceptions
2. Limit thoughts
3. Limit feelings
4. Limit behaviours

Question 7

What can the left and right hemispheres do? (Split-brain studies)

Answer 7

Left Hemisphere
- Can read, identify and name words, items, pictures

Right Hemisphere

• Can read but can’t name/recall words
• Can read and identify items but can’t name them

Question 8

Why did Gazzaniga label the left hemisphere “the interpreter”?

Answer 8

Because it allows conscious feelings to arise in response to largely automatic trains of thought that run through mental life

Question 9

What are the left and right hemispheres capable of in relation to split-brain studies?

Answer 9

Left Hemisphere:
More involved in verbal processes and constructing theories about the relationship between perceives events, actions and feelings
Right Hemisphere:
Capable of verbal processing and can express itself non-verbally

Question 10

What does aphasia affect?

Answer 10

• Talking
• Reading
• Writing
• Understanding others

DOES NOT AFFECT INTELLIGENCE