MCAT Neuropsychology Scientists

Franz Gall

phrenology; well-developed trait expands the part of brain responsible for that trait; create “bulge” or “ball” on head

Pierre Flourens

functions of different sections of brain; extirpation or ablation (surgically removed parts of brain and observed behavioral consequences); removal of one part of brain weakens the entire brain

William James

functionalism; mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments

John Dewy

study organisms as a whole rather than a reflex arc

Paul Broca

specific functional impairments linked to brain lesions; Broca’s area (left side of brain controls ability to speak)

Hermann von Helmholtz

nerve impulse speed related to reaction time

Sir Charles Sherrington

inferred existence of synapses