Localisation Of Function

Question 1

A03 - Communication vs Localisation

Answer 1

Point: One weakness of the theory is that knowing how brain regions communicate may be more important than knowing which specific regions control which cognitive processes.
Evidence: For example, Dejerine (1892) found that the loss of ability to read resulted from damage to the connection between the visual cortex and Wernicke’s area.
Elaboration: This shows that damage to the connection between any two points can lead to impairments, showing the importance of understanding interaction.
Link: Therefore the concept of localisation can be seen as reductionist as it is only focusing on the location of functions and not taking into account the importance of other factors such as communication between regions.

Question 2

A03 - Aphasia Studies

Answer 2

• Point: One strength is that a patient with aphasia can be used to support the concept of language centres in the brain. Aphasia is the inability to understand or produce speech as a result of brain damage.
• Evidence: For example, patients have been diagnosed with Broca’s aphasia (impaired ability to produce language) or Wernike’s aphasia (impaired ability to understand language).
• Elaboration: This shows the importance of these two areas of the brain in the production and understanding of language.
• Link : Therefore providing evidence to support the concept of localisation in the brain.

Question 3

A03 - Language Production in Other Areas of the Brain

Answer 3

• Point: One weakness is that language production may not be confined to the Broca’s area alone
• Evidence For example, Dronkers eg al 2007 - re-examined Broca’s patients preserved brains using MRI imaging and found that other areas could’ve also contributed to the reduced speech abilities
• Elaboration: Damage to the Broca’s area alone can cause temporary speech distraction to spoken language.
  Link: Therefore other areas of the brain other areas of the brain may be involved in the damage

Question 4

A03 - Equipotentiality

Answer 4

Point: One weakness is that the equipotentality theory argues the cognitive function are not localised in the brain
Evidence: For example, Lashley believes that motor and sensory functions are localised, but higher mental functions are not. He claimed that intact areas of the cortex could take over responsibility for specific cognitive function following brain injury
Elaboration: This suggests that not all functions localised to just one region
Link: Therefore suggests that not all functions to one region. Questioning validity of the theory