Localisation of Brain Function Flashcards
what theories are there for how the brain functions
holisitic = all areas of brain control all psychological/physical processes
localisation = diff areas of brain are responsible for diff psychological/physical processes
what lobes make up the brain
4 lobes = frontal (front), temporal (under frontal), parietal (top back), occipital (under parietal)
what are the 2 language centres in the brain
Broca’s area (small area in left frontal lobe) = connected with speech, responsible for speech production
Wernicke’s area (left temporal lobe)
= language processing/comprehension
outline the case study of Phineas Gage (1848)
suffered damage to frontal lobe after accident at work where iron rod went through left cheek, brain and skull
- memory remained intact
- prefrontal lobe most impaired
- became aggressive, crude, mean, profane
how does Gage provide evidence for localisation
prefrontal lobe = sustained most damage
- big change in personality = proof that prefrontal lobe (specifically) controls personality
further research = damage to prefrontal lobe tends to cause disinhibition
= inability to resist impulses, angry outbursts, sexual thoughts
Pros of research into localisation
IRL APP.
= Broca’s findings = used to diagnose Broca’s Aphasia, used in cognitive neuroscience and speech pathology
RESEARCH SUPPORT
= Wernicke’s research
= Gage
Cons of research into localisation
LOW POPULATION VALIDITY
- use of individual case studies/small samples
BIOLOGICAL REDUCTIONISM
- critics argue theory is biologically reductionist in nature = reduce very complex human behaviours/cognitive processes to one specific brain region
= still require more research
how does Broca’s research provide evidence for localisation
- found other patients who had the same issue with similar lesions = concluded Broca’s area = responsible for speech production
- Broca’s Aphasia = unable to speak or form coherent speech
- contemporary neuroimaging techniques = confirm Broca’s findings
