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?

  Communication between hemispheres stops
• What is the term for the connection between the left and right hemispheres?

  Corpus callosum
• How many nerve fibers are in the corpus callosum?

  200 to 300 million nerve fibers
• What is the primary purpose of cutting the corpus callosum in patients?

  To reduce severe epilepsy seizures
• 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
• What happens when a split brain patient sees the word "key" in their right visual field?

  They can say "key" because it's in the left hemisphere
• How does the right hemisphere respond when shown the word "saw" in the left visual field?

  They cannot say "saw" but can draw it
• What does the right hemisphere specialize in according to Sperry's research?

  Recognizing faces
• What are some criticisms of Sperry's research on split brain patients?

  • Small sample size limits generalizability
  • Comparison group not representative
  • Varying levels of disconnection among patients
  • Influence of prior drug therapy on results
  • Lack of mundane realism in experimental conditions
• What is alien hand syndrome?

  One hand acts independently of the person
• How does the film "Dr. Strangelove" relate to alien hand syndrome?

  It depicts a character with a rebellious hand
• What does Sperry's research suggest about consciousness?

  • Consciousness may not be unified
  • It could be a collection of separate processes
  • Influences both psychological and philosophical views
• What is the main goal of cutting the corpus callosum in epilepsy patients?

  To stop electrical seizures from spreading