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 does contralateral mean in relation to the brain?

  Each hemisphere controls opposite body sides
• Which side of the brain processes visual information from the right visual field?

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

  Only in the left side of the brain
• What is the name of the connection between the left and right hemispheres?

  Corpus callosum
• What is the function of the corpus callosum?

  Allows quick communication between hemispheres
• Why was the corpus callosum cut in some patients?

  To treat severe epilepsy
• What was the outcome of cutting the corpus callosum?

  Reduced number of seizures reported
• 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 a word in their right visual field?

  They can say the word 'key'
• What happens when a split brain patient sees a word in their left visual field?

  They cannot say the word
• How does the right hemisphere respond to visual information?

  It can draw or identify objects
• What did Sperry's research reveal about face recognition?

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

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

  One hand acts independently of the person
• What are the implications of Sperry's research on consciousness?

  • Suggests consciousness may not be unified
  • Proposes multiple intelligent processes exist
  • Influences psychological and philosophical understanding of the mind