Gazzaniga One Brain Or Two Summary

1. I will describe Gazzaniga’s (1967) study called “One Brain or Two?” Localization of function is the notion that certain parts of the brain correspond to certain functions and that specific areas of the brain control different functions carried out by the brain. The right hemisphere of the brain controls spatial reasoning, creativity, emotion, beliefs, and left side of body while left hemisphere of brain controls logic, problem solving, mathematics, language and right side of body. The hemispheres of the brain are connected by the corpus callosum. The aim of his study was to determine whether the two hemispheres of the brain have special abilities and are able to function individually. Sperry and Gazzaniga used split-brain patients (people with epilepsy) who had had their Corpus Callosums detached.

They tested visual abilities by flashing lights across a board, and asking patients to say where they had seen the lights and point to where they had seen the lights.

In addition, they tested tactile abilities by placing items in the patient's right and left hands, and asked them to describe it or match it to other objects. In the visual test, participants solely said that they only observe lights on the right side, but pointed to lights on both sides. In the tactile test, participants were unable to explain the items in their left hands, but were able to match them to other items. This study supported the fact that the two halves of the brain have particular functions. The left side is enhanced at communication and numbers while right side is superior at identifying faces, three-dimensional interactions, figurative reasoning, and imaginative doings. Reproach has mainly concerned whether or not people can be "left-brained" or

"right-brained".

2. Neurotransmission is process by which a neurotransmitter is released by a particular brain cell and travels across the synapse to act on the target cell to inhibit or excite it. Acetylcholine (Ach) is a neurotransmitter in the brain and excites the neuronal receptor sites. Ach is thought be involved in memory function as it’s been found in the hippocampus (an area in brain involved in memory function). Acetylcholine affects the human behavior of memory causing an increase in memory functions with higher amounts of Ach compared to lower levels of Ach, which decreases memory functioning. Serotonin is another neurotransmitter and is connected to regulation of mood which means that it plays a role in depression as it protects us from developing it. Even though serotonin has an excitatory effect on a couple receptor sites, it is usually an inhibitory neurotransmitter Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression

3. Experiments are the research method used to establish a cause and effect relationship between the independent and dependent variable. The independent variable is manipulated and the influence on the dependent variable is noted. Investigators try to regulate as many inessential variables as feasible to offer controlled circumstances in a laboratory experiment. Experiments are considered a quantitative research method, but some qualitative data can be obtained also. It is regarded as the furthermost scientific investigation technique as well. The strengths of experiments include the facts that it can be used on both humans and animals and it’s the only manner that can establish a cause and effect relationship. Plus, the researchers have control over variables. Limitations to using experiments include ethical considerations limiting it, some animal experiments are hugely debatable, sample size may create problems with generalization, unsafe experiments can usually only have a limited test group, and participants may act in a way they believe they are expected to behave which greatly affects the data. Correlation Studies study the degree to which two variables are correlated to each other by obtaining scores on two or more quantities and working out the relationship between them. The investigator doesn't control or influence an independent variable as done in an experiment. Numerous methods used to observe brain activity, such as MRI and PET, are principally correlating brain activity with behavior, cognition or emotion. Strengths of correlational studies include that they are frequently used in twin and adoption studies, which are significant sources of evidence about the link between genetics and behavior. Limitations include the fact that although a relationship between two variables can be demonstrated and verified, we cannot assume causation.