Localisation theory PDF

Preview

Summary

Theory...

Description

Q: DISCUSS WHAT RESEARCH HAS SHOWN ABOUT LOCALISATION OF FUNCTIONS OF THE BRAIN (8)

Localisation theory claims that a certain part of the brain is responsible for a certain function. For example, the hippocampus is involved in storage of Long-term memory. Localisation theory claims that only one part of the brain is involved in one behaviour whereas the holistic theory claims that all the parts of the brain are responsible for a behaviour/action. In the brain, the frontal lobe and the back of the temporal lobe are responsible for language and speech production. These areas are called the Broca’s area and the Wernicke’s area and are only found on the left hemisphere in the brain.

A merit of localisation of functions of the brain is that there is supporting evidence. For example, Petersen et al. (1988) discovered that different parts of the brain are activated during listening and reading. This suggests that the different parts of the brain are responsible for different actions and behaviours. This is advantageous because its main assumptions about the structure and function of the brain has been established by real-life examples. As such, this grants the theory of localisation of functions of the brain more explanatory power about the way the brain works. Therefore, some may argue that the theory of localisation has some level of scientific credibility.

On the other hand, a critique of localisation of functions of the brain is that there is contradicting evidence that throws its claims into question. For instance, brain plasticity allows the brain to recover lost function after a damage. This matter because it suggests that other parts of the brain can carry out the functions of a damaged part. As such, perhaps the brain works as a whole unit rather than having localised parts. Consequently, this reduces the credibility of localisation of function theory. Therefore, some may argue that perhaps, the holistic theory may be a better explanation of how the brain functions and affects how actions....