split brain research

• What are the two hemispheres of the brain called?


  Left and right hemispheres
• What happens if the connection between the left and right hemispheres is cut?


  It stops communication between each hemisphere and shows their specialization
• What does contralateral mean in relation to the brain?


  It means the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa
• Which side of the brain deals with visual information from the left visual field?


  The right side of the brain
• Where are the language centers located in the brain?

  Only in the left side of the brain
• What is the corpus callosum?


  A thick bundle of 200 to 300 million nerve fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres
• Why was the corpus callosum cut in some patients?


  To treat severe epilepsy by stopping electrical seizures from bouncing between hemispheres
• Who conducted research on split brain patients in 1969?


  Sperry
• What was the method used in Sperry's divided field experiment?


  Participants looked at a dot on a screen while words or images were flashed to the right and left visual fields
• What happens when a split brain patient sees the word "key" in their right visual field?


  They can say "key" because the information is processed in the left hemisphere
• How does the right hemisphere respond when shown the word "saw" in the left visual field?


  The patient cannot say "saw" but can draw it with their left hand
• What did Sperry's research reveal about the right hemisphere's capabilities?


  The right hemisphere is better at recognizing faces
• What are some criticisms of Sperry's research on split brain patients?


  • Small sample size may not generalize findings
  • Comparison group lacked a history of epileptic fits
  • Variability in the level of disconnection among patients
  • Influence of drug therapy on results
  • Lacks mundane realism due to artificial testing conditions
• What is alien hand syndrome?


  A condition where one hand acts independently and seems to fight against the other hand
• How does the film "Dr. Strangelove" relate to alien hand syndrome?


  It depicts a character whose hand acts against his will, similar to alien hand syndrome
• What is the significance of Sperry's research for our understanding of consciousness?


  • Suggests consciousness may not be a unified self
  • Proposes the mind consists of separate intelligent processes
  • Influences both psychological and philosophical perspectives