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 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 for epilepsy patients?

  Reduced number of seizures
• What strange sensation did patients report after the procedure?

  Feeling like two people in one body
• Who conducted the split brain research 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 word is shown to the right visual field of split brain patients?

  They can say the word
• What happens when a word is shown to the left visual field of split brain patients?

  They cannot say the word
• Which hemisphere controls the left hand in split brain patients?

  The right hemisphere
• What does the right hemisphere excel at recognizing?

  Faces
• What are the criticisms of Sperry's research using 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
  • Lacks mundane realism in experimental setup
• What is the overriding positive of Sperry's research?

  It enhances understanding of consciousness
• What extreme condition can split brain patients develop?

  Alien hand syndrome
• What is alien hand syndrome?

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

  It depicts a character with a fighting hand
• What are the implications of Sperry's research on our understanding of self?

  • Suggests consciousness may not be unified
  • Proposes a collection of separate processes
  • Influences psychological and philosophical views