Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brain research AO3

Question 1

What are the 2 strengths of split-brain research?

Answer 1

1. Demonstrated lateralised brain functions
2. Good methodology

Question 2

STRENGTHS
How did split-brain research demonstrate lateralised brain functions?

Answer 2

Has produced impressive research findings which are:
- left hemisphere is analyser. it is more geared towards analytic and verbal tasks.
- right hemisphere is synthesiser. it only produce rudimentary words and phrases but contributes to emotional and holistic content to language

Question 3

STRENGTHS
Why was demonstrating the lateralised brain functions important?

Answer 3

To better understand brain processes

Question 4

STRENGTHS
How does the research have good methodology?

Answer 4

• experiment made use of highly specialised and standardised procedures
• ensured that only one hemisphere was receiving information at a time
• very useful and well-controlled procedures

Question 5

STRENGTHS: METHODOLOGY
How was it ensured that only one hemisphere was receiving information at a time

Answer 5

• presented visual information to one hemispheric field at a time
• ptpts were made to stare at a ‘fixation point’ so they would not have time to move their eye across the image

Question 6

What are the 2 limitations of split-brain research?

Answer 6

1. Generalisation
2. Overemphasise and oversimplifies functions between hemispheres

Question 7

LIMITATIONS
How did the research have problems in generalisation?

Answer 7

• Only 11 ptps with epilepsy
• Epilepsy may have caused unique changes in brain that can influence findings
• Some ptps had experienced more disconnection of two hemispheres than others
• Inappropriate control group of people with no epilepsy

Question 8

LIMITATIONS
Why is overemphasising and oversimplifying functions between hemispheres a bad thing?

Answer 8

Because in a normal brain, two hemispheres are in constant communication when performing everyday tasks
And many behaviours associated with one hemisphere can be effectively performed by the other, when needed.