Split Brain Research into Hemispheric Lateralisation

Question 1

Hemispheric lateralisation

Answer 1

The idea that the two hemispheres of the brain are functionally different. Some mental processes in the brain are mainly specialised to the left or right hemisphere

Question 2

Contralateral

Answer 2

The opposite side of the body to the brain hemisphere that controls it.

Question 3

Corpus callousm

Answer 3

A broad band of fibres that joins the two hemispheres of the brain, this allows communication to occur

Question 4

Split brain research

Answer 4

A series of studies which began in the 1960s involving epileptic patients who had experienced a surgical separation of the brain hemispheres. This allowed researchers to investigate the extent to which brain function is lateralise

Question 5

split brain patient

Answer 5

In split brain patients, the corpus callosum has been cut, meaning that the two hemispheres cannot ‘talk to’ each other; they operate independently.