Sperry (1968) Hemisphere Disconnection and Unity in Conscious Awareness

Question 1

Aim of the Study

Answer 1

• To observe how the brain of “split-brain” patients worked compared to a normal brain

Question 2

Procedure of the Study:

Answer 2

• Sperry studied group of 11 participants
• Participants had to focus on a particular spot
• Info was shown in the LVF and in the RVF
• Info on LVF = goes to R.H
• Info on RVF= goes to L.H
• Participants had to say words that they saw

Question 3

Results:

Answer 3

• words were shown to LVF= participants could recall what they had seen (left hemisphere is responsible for language ability)
• words were shown to RVF= participants had trouble in saying what they had seen (right hemisphere is not responsible for language ability)

Question 4

Conclusion:

Answer 4

• Each hemisphere is capable of working on it’s own without being connected to the other side
• Left hemisphere= language ability
• Right hemisphere= spatial ability