Lateralisation of Function

Question 1

Asymmetrical Function

Answer 1

• Both hemispheres of the brain are not mirror images of each other
• Each hemisphere of the brain controls opposite side of the body

Question 2

Function of Left Hemisphere

Answer 2

• Logic
• Speech
• Language
• Control of right hand
  Broca’s Area (located in left hemisphere) helps in production of speech

Question 3

Function of Right Hemisphere

Answer 3

• Creativity
• Perception
• Control of left hand
• Spatial Awareness

Question 4

What is corpus callosum?

Answer 4

• Thick band of nerve fibres which allow messages to pass from one hemisphere to the other

Question 5

Gender differences in lateralisation

Answer 5

• Females were better at language skills
• Males were better at spatial skills
• Females had a thicker corpus callosum and used both sides of the brain
• Males showed dominace to one hemisphere

Question 6

Strengths:

Answer 6

• Evidence showed that brains of females and males work differently,
• Rilea et. al study found that males did well in some spatial tasks
• Harasty et. al suggested that parts of brain that processes language is bigger in females
• Used scientific methods which makes research controlled, reliable

Question 7

Weaknesses:

Answer 7

• Sexual differences were not always seen in research. In the Rilea et. al study, males did not always do better in spatial tasks
• No strong evidence that females used both hemispheres in language skills