6.6.3 Evaluation of Split-Brain Research

• What surgical procedure is used in split-brain research to study hemispheric lateralisation?

  Callosotomy
• The left hemisphere is dominant for language processing, logical reasoning, and analytical tasks
• The corpus callosum is crucial for information transfer between the two hemispheres.
• Match the hemisphere with its key functions:

  Left Hemisphere ↔️ Language processing

  Right Hemisphere ↔️ Spatial awareness
• What have split-brain studies clarified about cognitive processes in the brain?

  Lateralisation
• Small sample sizes are a significant methodological limitation in split-brain research.
• Patients undergoing callosotomies often have severe epilepsy
• Order the methodological limitations of split-brain studies according to their description:

  1️⃣ Small sample sizes

  2️⃣ Pre-existing conditions

  3️⃣ Artificial experimental setup
• Match the factor with its advantage or disadvantage in split-brain research:

  Experimental Setup ↔️ Artificial settings limit real-world relevance

  Sample Group ↔️ Findings may not generalize to the broader population
• What ethical aspect ensures participants are aware of the research goals and procedures?

  Informed consent
• What does the left hemisphere specialize in according to split-brain research?

  Language processing
• The right hemisphere is dominant for logical reasoning.

  False
• The right hemisphere specializes in spatial awareness, facial recognition, and creative tasks
• What is the primary role of the corpus callosum in the brain?

  Inter-hemispheric communication
• Severance of the corpus callosum highlights the importance of bilateral communication.
• What is a methodological limitation of split-brain studies related to sample sizes?

  Small sample sizes
• Patients in split-brain studies often have pre-existing conditions such as severe epilepsy
• Why is ecological validity a challenge in split-brain research?

  Artificial experimental setup
• Split-brain findings can be generalized to the broader population without caution.

  False
• Match the ethical aspect with its advantage:

  Informed Consent ↔️ Ensures understanding of research goals

  Confidentiality ↔️ Protects participants' privacy

  Vulnerability ↔️ Acknowledges unique challenges

  Benefit vs. Risk ↔️ Potential gains justify some risks
• What cognitive processes have been clarified by split-brain research?

  Task allocation to hemispheres
• Split-brain research emphasizes the necessity of inter-hemispheric communication
• Lesion studies offer precise anatomical control over brain damage.

  False
• What is a strength of EEG in studying brain lateralization?

  High temporal resolution
• Compared to fMRI, EEG has lower spatial resolution
• Order the methods for studying brain lateralization from most invasive to least invasive:

  1️⃣ Lesion Studies

  2️⃣ Split-Brain Research

  3️⃣ fMRI

  4️⃣ EEG