Localization of Function in Psychology

Questions and Answers

Define localization of function.

This is the theory that certain areas of the brain are related to specific functions.

Why is localization of function important?

It helps correlate the localization of functions, which is important in research.

What is the left hemisphere responsible for?

Logic, problem solving, maths, and language.

What is the right hemisphere responsible for?

Creativity, emotion, beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the occipital lobe responsible for?

Vision. Signup and view all the answers

What is the parietal lobe responsible for?

Higher senses and language functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the frontal lobe responsible for?

Reasoning, problem solving, judgement, and creativity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the temporal lobe responsible for?

Perception, hearing (sound recognition), memory, and meaning. Signup and view all the answers

What is Broca's Area responsible for?

Inability to produce language while still being able to understand it. Signup and view all the answers

What is Wernicke's Area responsible for?

Inability to understand language while still being able to communicate. Signup and view all the answers

What was the aim of the Phineas Gage case study?

To investigate the localization of function in regards to Gage's brain damage and its effect on behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What did Broca's study of 'Tan' conclude?

Broca concluded that the area named after him was responsible for speech. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Localization of Function

Localization of function refers to the principle that specific brain areas are responsible for particular functions, influencing behaviours, emotions, and thoughts.
Damage to a specific brain region can lead to corresponding deficits or changes in function.

Importance of Localization

Localization is crucial for establishing cause-effect relationships in neurological research.
Understanding localized functions aids in correlating brain regions with specific outcomes or behaviours.

Left Hemisphere Functions

Responsible for logic, problem-solving, mathematics, and language.
Controls the right side of the body.

Right Hemisphere Functions

Associated with creativity, emotional processing, and beliefs.
Controls the left side of the body.

Brain Lobes and Their Functions

Occipital Lobe: Primary center for vision processing.
Parietal Lobe: Manages higher senses and language functions.
Frontal Lobe: Involved in reasoning, problem-solving, judgment, and creativity.
Temporal Lobe: Critical for perception, hearing, sound recognition, memory, and meaning.

Broca's Area

Damage to Broca's area results in the inability to produce language while retaining comprehension abilities.

Wernicke's Area

Damage to Wernicke's area causes difficulties in understanding language despite having the ability to speak.

Phineas Gage Case Study

Investigated the effects of brain damage on behavior; Gage survived a severe injury caused by an iron rod passing through his skull.
Observations by J.M. Harlow highlighted significant personality changes following the accident, indicating that damage to the left prefrontal region altered Gage's behaviour.
The case exemplifies localization of function in the brain.

Broca's Patient "Tan"

Conducted by Broca to study language abilities; Tan had significant speech deficits.
Post-mortem examination revealed damage to Broca's area, linked to his inability to produce speech.
Findings relate to broader patterns observed in stroke victims with similar speech impairments.

Description

This quiz explores the concept of localization of function within the brain, detailing how specific areas are responsible for various behaviors and cognitive processes. It covers the roles of the left and right hemispheres, as well as the functions of different brain lobes. Test your knowledge on how neurological research reveals the cause-effect relationships tied to brain region damage.