Sperry and Gazzaniga Split-Brain Study PDF

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Split-Brain Study (1968): Roger Sperry/Michael Gazzaniga Background: The human brain is divided into 2 hemispheres. Sperry and Gazzaniga wanted to investigate the functions of separate hemispheres. Methodology: 3 types of tests were developed. A visual test with pictures, a tactile test with objects, and an auditory test asking participants to find objects were developed using subjects only pertaining to one side of the brain.  population – 10 patients with corpus callosum severed to reduce epileptic seizures  sample selection – 4 right-handed patients that consented to participate  independent variable –placement of pictures or objects pertaining to one hemisphere of the brain or right or left hand (OD: ex: left or right hand to grab an object)  dependent variable – ability to communicate what they saw or heard, or to express an action specified (OD: ex: ability to identify object saw with left/right eye)  random assignment – all 4 participants were exposed to the same tests  potential confounding variables – personality of participant, all epilepsy patients

Results: Although the patients could identify objects with both sides of the brain, they could not communicate anything identified in the right half as the center for language is located in the left half. Discussion: Sperry and Gazzaniga discovered that two separate brains do indeed exist inside a human head, each involving their own complex functions. Critique: strengths – replicable design, very easy to conduct, found that functions are split weaknesses – lack of real population and random selection, hard to find participants Relevance/Applications: Researchers have now been able to narrow down the brain even more, relating specialized skills and functions to specific parts. This increased knowledge has been used to develop more effective treatments for patients suffering from brain damage. Ethical Issues: none Gender/Cross-Cultural Issues: Studies have been conducted regarding whether left or right-sided orientation of the brain affects class choice or profession. Science related professions are dominated by left-brain orientation while spatial relation professions are dominated by right-brain orientation

Class: Human brains are divided into hemispheres – a left hemisphere and a right hemisphere. Although parts of the brain look similar they have very different functions. This division of tasks between the hemispheres is called lateralization of function. Personal: By determining the differing functions of different areas of the brain, we are better able to treat damage to the brain. This is important for future understanding of the brain. Sperry Split-Brain...