History of Neuropsychology

Question 1

Thomas Willis

Answer 1

Observed that children with brain problems showed cognitive deficits. Also discovered the “Circle of Willis”

Question 2

Franz Gall

Answer 2

Proposed phrenology as the biology of the mind. Measured bumps on skull to determine one’s personality.

Question 3

Phrenology

Answer 3

Determine psychology of person from bumps of head. Bad theory led to bad application: eugenics and tuberculosis personality based on appearance.

Question 4

Paul Broca

Answer 4

Discovered frontal brain region that subserves language (motor speech). Worked with patient Tan, who had speech problems.

Question 5

John Harlow

Answer 5

Chronicled case of Phineas Gage, who took a railroad rod through the frontal lobe and forever changed in personality.

Question 6

Humanism

Answer 6

Prior theory for 150 years that humans have biggest frontal lobe. It is actually the same in proportion (29-35% across species).