Split Brain Research into Hemispheric Lateralisation

Question 1

What is hemispheric lateralisation?

Answer 1

The idea that the two halves of the brain are functionally different and that each hemisphere has functional specialisations

Question 2

What is control-lateral?

Answer 2

The opposite side of the body to the brain hemisphere that controls it

Question 3

What is the corpus callosum?

Answer 3

Broad band of fibres that joins the two hemispheres of the brain, this allows communication to occur

Question 4

What is split-brain research?

Answer 4

A series of studies which began in the 1960’s involving epileptic patients who had experienced a surgical separation of hemispheres of the brain. This allowed researchers to investigate the extent to which brain function is lateralised