Neuropsychology - Studies

Question 1

What happened to Phineas Gage in 1848?

Answer 1

He was working on a railway line when an explosion caused an iron rod to be fired through his head. He survived, however it caused serious damage to his frontal lobe and his personality underwent a permanent change

Question 2

In 1994, Damasio et al built a 3D replica of Gage’s brain. What did they conclude?

Answer 2

• It only affected his frontal lobe
• The ventromedial area is important for making sensible decisions, controlling impulses and emotions
  This knowledge can be used to predict the behaviour of people who suffer similar damage

Question 3

State 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses of the Damasio study

Answer 3

Strengths: use of modern day technology, predictions about behaviour
Weaknesses: info used was 150 years old, generalisation (unlikely that someone would suffer exactly the same damage)

Question 4

Revise the Sperry study

Answer 4

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