Localisation Of Function

Question 1

Define Broca’s area

Answer 1

Area located in the frontal lobe (usually in the left hemisphere) that’s related to speech production.

Question 2

Define Wernicke’s area

Answer 2

An area in the temporal lobe that’s vital for the comprehension of language.

Question 3

Define the term Localisation of Function

Answer 3

Refers to belief that specific areas of brain = responsible for specific cognitive processes.

Question 4

Define the term Motor Cortex

Answer 4

A region of brain responsible for voluntary motor movements.

Question 5

Define the term Somatosensory cortex

Answer 5

A region of the brain that processes information from sensory receptors in the body that are sensitive to touch.

Question 6

What are 4 key evaluation points for Localisation of Function?

Answer 6

1) Brain Scan Evidence (Peterson, Tulving)
2) Neurosurgical evidence and case studys (Dougherty + study of phineas Gage)
3) Individual differences in language areas (Bavelier and Harasty)
4) Challenges to localisation: equipotentiality

Question 7

Brain scan evidence (Peterson and Tulving)

Answer 7

Wide range of evidence to support that neurological functions are localised ie)
Study by Peterson to show Wernicke’s area = active during listening tasks and Broca’s area = active during reading tasks
Study on LTM by Tulving et al also found that semantic and episodic memories are stored in different parts of the prefrontal cortex.

Question 8

Neurosurgical evidence and case studies (Dogherty and Phineas Gage)

Answer 8

Neurosurgery started around 1950s and is controversial as was brutal and unprecise , yet is still used for extreme cases today i.e in extreme OCD or Depression patients. Study of Dougherty on a report on 44 OCD patients who had undergone cingulotomy found that 1/3 rd had a successful response 32 weeks after post surgery and 14% had partial response. Success rates show that certain mental disorders have to be localised.
Also, study on Phineas Gage is another case of neurological damage that supports the localisation theory.

Question 9

Challenges to Localisation of Function: Equipotentiality (Lashely)

Answer 9

A conflicting influential theory is Lashley’s theory of equipotentiality that stated that motor and sensory functions were localised, but higher mental functions were not. She claimed areas of the cortex were able to carry on the cognitive function of the area that was originally responsible for the function - which supports idea of plasticity. Therefore, the extent of the damage determines the effects, not the location in which the damage takes place.