Biopsychology

• What theory suggests that specific brain areas are responsible for certain functions?

  Localisation of function theory
• What does the localisation of function theory imply about brain areas?

  Specific brain areas are involved in functions
• In what year was the localisation of function theory proposed?

  1911
• What happens if an area of the brain is damaged?

  Function associated with that area is lost
• What are the two hemispheres of the brain responsible for?

  • Left hemisphere controls right side of body
  • Right hemisphere controls left side of body
• What is the outer layer of the brain called?

  Cerebral cortex
• How thick is the cerebral cortex?

  3 mm thick
• Why is the cerebral cortex significant in humans?

  It is highly developed compared to animals
• What gives the cerebral cortex its grey appearance?

  600,000 cell bodies
• What are the four lobes of the brain?

  • Frontal lobe
  • Parietal lobe
  • Occipital lobe
  • Temporal lobe
• What is the function of the motor area in the brain?

  Controls voluntary movement
• What may result from damage to the motor area?

  Loss of control over fine motor movements
• Where is the somatosensory area located?

  Front of the parietal lobe
• What does the somatosensory area process?

  Sensory information from the skin
• What does the amount of somatosensory area for a body part indicate?

  It denotes sensitivity of that body part
• Where is the visual area located?

  In the occipital lobe at the back
• How does visual information travel from the eyes to the brain?

  Right visual field to left cortex, vice versa
• What can damage to the left hemisphere cause?

  Blindness in the right visual field
• Where is the auditory area located?

  In the temporal lobe
• What does the auditory area analyze?

  Speech-based information
• What may result from damage to the auditory area?

  Partial hearing loss
• What is Broca's area responsible for?

  Speech production
• What happens if Broca's area is damaged?

  Causes Broca's aphasia
• What characterizes Broca's aphasia?

  Slow speech and lack of fluency
• What is Wernicke's area responsible for?

  Language comprehension
• What happens if Wernicke's area is damaged?

  Produces fluent but meaningless speech
• What are neologisms in Wernicke's aphasia?

  Newly created words in speech
• What are the strengths of localisation theory?

  • Supported by brain scan evidence
  • Neurological evidence from surgeries
  • Case study support (e.g., Phineas Gage)
• What did Petersen's brain scan study show?

  Different brain areas are active for tasks
• What does the case of Phineas Gage suggest?

  Frontal lobe regulates mood
• What type of damage did Phineas Gage sustain?

  Serious brain damage from an accident
• What is the relationship between brain area damage and behaviour?

  Damage can lead to specific behavioural changes