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Localization of Function IB Psychology Review Sheet

The document discusses theories of localization of brain function including strict, weak, and relative localization. It provides examples of studies on split brain patients and London taxi drivers that provide evidence for both relative and strict localization of certain functions in the brain like language skills and spatial navigation respectively. The document also discusses critical thinking points around theories of localization and the limitations of older localization studies.

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Eva Cizmarova
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88 views1 page

Localization of Function IB Psychology Review Sheet

The document discusses theories of localization of brain function including strict, weak, and relative localization. It provides examples of studies on split brain patients and London taxi drivers that provide evidence for both relative and strict localization of certain functions in the brain like language skills and spatial navigation respectively. The document also discusses critical thinking points around theories of localization and the limitations of older localization studies.

Uploaded by

Eva Cizmarova
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Localization of Function

Brain Structure
Frontal Lobe
The Cortex The Limbic System
Parietal Lobe
Reasoning, Movement, Hypothalamus Thalamus
Decision Making Sensory
Orientation, Emotion, Thirst,
Functions
Perception Hunger

Occipital Lobe
Visual
Processing
Amygdala
Memory,
Hippocampus
Temporal Lobe Emotion, Fear Learning, Memory
Auditory Information

Types of Localization
Strict Weak Relative
Functions are localized in a The brain might have several A middle position between
very specific area brain areas responsible for the strict and weak localization
Damage to these areas same function, but some areas Some functions are strictly
damages the function may be dominant over others localized, others not so much

Studies
Sperry and Gazzaniga Maguire et al
Split brain patients went through a series of tests Right handed male London taxi drivers were
that tested both the functions of their left and right compared with right handed males in an MRI
hemispheres scan
Results showed that the localization of function is The scan of the taxi drivers revealed that their
relative, since language skills was predominantly posterior hippocampi were significantly larger
found in the left hemisphere, but traces of language than those of the non drivers
comprehension were found in the right This supports the idea of localization, since it
Other functions were similarly attributed to other shows that navigational skills seem to be
areas. localized in the posterior hippocampus

Critical Thinking
Theories of Localization: You can contrast The Principle of Mass Action: Performance
between weak, strict and relative localization depends on the abilities of a larger area
Equipotentiality: Parts of the brain can take over Uncertainty: We don’t know to what extent
functions of other parts of the brain specific functions are localized
Neuroplasticity: Localization is not static, and the Older studies: The technology wasn't as good
brain might learn to respecialize back then, so results changed in coming years

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