the brain and neuropsychology

• What is the primary function of the brain?

  Responsible for almost every bodily function
• How does the brain process information?

  It receives, processes, and makes decisions
• What protects the brain?

  Skull and meninges
• How does the brain receive oxygen and nutrients?

  Through blood vessels
• What is the significance of the brain's convoluted surface?

  Increases surface area for neurons and synapses
• What is the outer layer of the brain called?

  Cerebral cortex
• What are the four lobes of the brain and their functions?

  • Frontal Lobe: Decision making, problem-solving
  • Parietal Lobe: Perception and sensory information
  • Occipital Lobe: Visual processing
  • Temporal Lobe: Hearing, understanding language
• What is the function of the cerebellum?

  Voluntary movement, coordination, balance
• What does the brain do with signals from the body?

  Constructs responses and sends signals
• What is the largest part of the brain?

  Cerebrum
• Who was Phineas Gage?

  A patient with a famous brain injury
• What did Domasie et al. (1994) study?

  Brain damage and its effects on behavior
• What happens if the corpus callosum is severed?

  Hemispheres struggle to communicate
• What is contralateral control?

  Each hemisphere controls opposite body side
• What are the functions of the left and right hemispheres?

  • Left Hemisphere: Language, logical thinking, math
  • Right Hemisphere: Spatial reasoning, creativity, face recognition
• What are the effects of damage to one hemisphere?

  Can cause paralysis on opposite body side
• What is the role of the corpus callosum?

  Connects the two hemispheres for communication
• What are sex differences in brain lateralization?

  Men excel in spatial tasks, women in language
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of lateralization as an explanation of sex differences?

  Strengths:

  • Empirical evidence supports findings
  • Differences in brain structure noted

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Individual differences exist
  • Research findings can be inconsistent
• What is the main finding of Sperry (1968)?

  Each hemisphere has specialized functions
• What happens if a patient has their corpus callosum cut?

  They may struggle with coordination and speech
• What is the significance of the findings from Sperry's research?

  Contributes to understanding of brain specialization
• How do the male and female brains differ in structure and function?

  Males have larger brains, females have more language centers
• What is the role of Broca's area?

  Involved in speech production and language processing
• What is the role of Wernicke's area?

  Involved in understanding language
• What is the effect of a stroke on brain function?

  Can cause paralysis on the opposite side
• What is the significance of individual differences in brain lateralization?

  Indicates lateralization is a continuum, not absolute
• What is the impact of hormonal differences on brain lateralization?

  May influence spatial and language abilities
• What is the relationship between brain structure and cognitive abilities?

  Structure influences abilities like language and spatial skills
• How does Sperry's research contribute to our understanding of the brain?

  Demonstrates specialization of brain functions
• What is the primary focus of the study by Domasie et al.?

  Effects of brain damage on behavior
• What is the significance of the corpus callosum in brain function?

  Facilitates communication between hemispheres
• What are the implications of brain lateralization for understanding gender differences?

  Highlights average differences in abilities between genders
• What is the role of the hippocampus in the brain?

  Involved in memory and learning
• What are the potential consequences of severing the corpus callosum?

  Can lead to coordination and communication issues
• How does brain lateralization affect cognitive tasks?

  Different hemispheres specialize in different tasks
• What is the significance of the findings from Sperry's research on split-brain patients?

  Reveals how each hemisphere processes information differently
• What is the impact of individual differences on the study of brain lateralization?

  Individual differences complicate generalizations about lateralization
• How do sex differences in brain lateralization manifest in cognitive abilities?

  Men tend to excel in spatial tasks, women in verbal tasks
• What is the role of the corpus callosum in brain function?

  Facilitates communication between the brain's hemispheres