Understanding Brain Localization and Case Studies

What is the concept of brain localization?

• The notion that the brain is identical in all animals

• The belief that brain size determines intelligence

• The idea that the brain is a single, undivided organ

• The theory that different parts of the brain have specific functions

Answer explanation

Brain localization refers to the theory that different parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions, such as movement, speech, and memory, highlighting the specialized roles of various brain regions.

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of case studies of brain-damaged people?

• Low ecological validity

• Impossible to replicate

• Low generalizability

• High cost of conducting studies

Answer explanation

The high cost of conducting studies is not a limitation of case studies of brain-damaged people. In fact, case studies often have lower costs compared to large-scale experiments, which is why this option is correct.

What was a major consequence of Phineas Gage's brain injury?

• He became unable to walk

• He lost the ability to recognize faces

• He had trouble behaving in a socially acceptable manner

• He could only repeat a single word, 'Tan'

Answer explanation

Phineas Gage's brain injury primarily affected his frontal lobes, leading to significant changes in his personality and social behavior. He struggled to behave in a socially acceptable manner, which is the correct consequence of his injury.

Which part of the brain is associated with 'executive functions'?

• Broca's area

• The occipital lobe

• The temporal lobe

• The prefrontal cortex

Answer explanation

The prefrontal cortex is crucial for executive functions, which include decision-making, problem-solving, and controlling behavior. Other areas listed are not primarily responsible for these higher cognitive processes.

Which behavior is most closely associated with the frontal lobe?

• Eating a healthy snack instead of chocolate cake

• Recognizing your friend from across a busy street

• Remembering your first day of primary school

• Catching a ball thrown in mid-air

Answer explanation

The frontal lobe is associated with decision-making and impulse control. Choosing a healthy snack over chocolate cake reflects self-control and planning, which are functions of the frontal lobe.

What role did the Phineas Gage case study play in brain science?

• It showed that brain damage has no effect on personality

• It disproved the theory of brain localization

• It confirmed that all brain functions are located in the occipital lobe

• It provided the first evidence of the role of the frontal lobe in behavior

Answer explanation

The Phineas Gage case study provided crucial evidence that the frontal lobe is involved in behavior, particularly in personality and decision-making, after Gage's personality changed following his injury.

Why is it difficult to generalize findings from case studies of brain-damaged individuals?

• There is limited information on the person before the brain damage

• Case studies are always conducted in controlled environments

• Brain injuries are always identical

• Each case study involves multiple people

Answer explanation

Generalizing findings from case studies of brain-damaged individuals is difficult because there is often limited information on the person's cognitive and behavioral state before the injury, making comparisons challenging.

What is one reason teens might behave recklessly?

• They have no understanding of consequences

• Their prefrontal cortex is not fully mature

• Their prefrontal cortex is fully developed

• They have a smaller frontal lobe than adults

Answer explanation

Teens often behave recklessly because their prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is not fully mature. This immaturity can lead to a lack of understanding of the consequences of their actions.