Biopsychology Quiz

Holistic theory of brain function Before the 19th Century scientists generally believed that all parts of the brain were involved in the same functions – this is known as holistic theory Localisation of function Broca and Wernicke however argued that different parts of the brain perform different functions – this is known as localisation Lateralisation Is the idea that the two halves of the brain are functionally different and that each hemisphere has functional specialisations What is the holistic theory of brain function?

Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain after trauma Plasticity The brains ability to functionally and physically change and adapt as a result of injury or experience and new learning Brain Plasticity - the story of Jody - YouTube Maguire et al (2000) Functional Recovery The brains ability to redistribute transfer functions from damaged to undamaged areas. What is brain plasticity?

Split Brain Hemispheric Lateralisation The notion that the two halves of the brain are functionally different and the certain mental processes are mainly controlled by one hemisphere e.g. language is localised within the left brain. Kim Peek - YouTube Sperry (1968) Sperry (1968) conducted research on patients who has suffered with severe epilepsy. These patients had previously undergone an operation called a Commissurotomy to separate their corpus callosum, which aimed to control their seizures. Participants – 11 patients with a history of epilepsy who had their corpus callosum severed An image or word would be presented to the patient’s left visual field (processed by their right hemisphere) or vice versa. Normally, the corpus callosum would share the information between the hemispheres, however, this is not possible in split brain patients, thus, giving a unique insight into what functions exist in each hemisphere. Sperry’s findings from his split brain research Describe what you see When images were shown to a patients right visual field, patient could easily describe what they had seen, however, couldn’t have shown to left visual field. Language centre are localised in left side of the brain. Recognition by touch Although patients could attach language to objects when presented to left visual field but were able via touch to select a matching object. Touch and sense perception centre localised in right half of brain. What is the notion of hemispheric lateralisation?

What does the case of Kim Peek tell us about localisation of language and how does this relate to Sperry’s split brain research?

What are the strengths and limitations of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)?

What are the strengths and limitations of Electroencephalogram (EEG)?

What are the strengths and limitations of Event Related Potential (ERP)?

What are the strengths and limitations of Post Mortem analysis of the brain?

What are Circadian Rhythms and what is the Siffre Cave Study?

What are the strengths and limitations of Circadian Rhythms?