Sperry- Split-brain study

Question 1

Free will/determinism

Answer 1

Biological determinism - due to the hemisphere disconnection, split-brain patients ability to do certain actions are determined by their brain alteration, e.g. not being able to name an object they have picked with their left hand, out of sight.

Question 2

Nurture/nature

Answer 2

Nature- bio. factors such as severed corpus callosum can impact behaviour
nurture- P’s could learn to overcome the restrictions of the split-brain operation in everyday life. By manipulating their visual fields

Question 3

Socially sensitive

Answer 3

Causes stigma and controversy surrounding a split brain person- they might have different brain to others and that they may be slower or perform certain functions
But can raise awareness of such behaviours and of laterlisation of function increasing the usefulness of the study