split brain research

Question 1

what is Lateralisation

Answer 1

Lateralisation is the idea that the two halves of the brain are functionally different and that each hemisphere has functional specialisations, e.g. the left is dominant for language, and the right excels at visual motor tasks.

Question 2

how are the two hemispheres connected

Answer 2

The two hemispheres are connected through nerve fibres called the corpus callosum, which facilitate interhemispheric communication:

Question 3

split brain research (Sperry and Gazzaniga)

Answer 3

Aim: The aim of their research was to examine the extent to which the two hemispheres are specialised for certain functions.

Method: An image/word is projected to the patient’s left visual field (which is processed by the right hemisphere) or the right visual field (which is processed by the left hemisphere). When information is presented to one hemisphere in a split-brain patient, the information is not transferred to the other hemisphere (as the corpus callosum is cut).

Question 4

conclusion

Answer 4

Conclusion: The findings of Sperry and Gazzaniga’s research highlights a number of key differences between the two hemispheres. Firstly, the left hemisphere is dominant in terms of speech and language. Secondly, the right hemisphere is dominant in terms of visual-motor tasks.