split brain research into hemispheric lateralisation a03

Question 1

it shows lateralised brain functions

Answer 1

• left hemisphere is analytical and verbal
• right is skilled at spatial tasks and music and other creative things
• right hemisphere can only produce basic words and phrases but contributes emotional content to language
• recent research suggests the distinction may be too simplified and tasks associated with one hemisphere can be carried out by the other

Question 2

good methodology

Answer 2

Sperry carried out a controlled, standardised procedure - presented visual information to one hemispheric field at a time

Question 3

debate that they either work together pr are completely different

Answer 3

• Pucetti (1977) suggested the hemispheres are so functionally different they represent a form of duality in the brain (we are effectively two minds)
• Others argued that the two hemispheres are highly integrated and work together in most tasks

Question 4

differences in hemispheric functions may be overstated

Answer 4

• Modern neuroscientists argue these distinctions are not all clear
• many behaviours associated with one hemisphere can be performed by the other when situations require
• Sperry may be too simplistic