Brain Localization

Brain Localization

The brain is made up of specialized parts with individual functions

Evaluate Case Studies

Low generalizability/not possible to replicate/limited information/triangulated compare

Phineas Gage

A: serious damage to the left frontal lobe affects behavior

P: Harlow; railroad worker with metal rod through skull; nearly destroyed left frontal lobe; observed behavior after accident; interviewed people who knew Gage before and after

F: personality changed because of brain damage; responsible and capable before; unemotional and impulsive after; incapable of following through with plans; vulgar language, violent, molesting

C: frontal lobe plays an important role in personality; goal setting, self regulating, social conventions

Evaluate Phineas Gage

Historically important/supports brain localization/not reliable+generalizable/inconsistent reports/limited knowledge of behavior before

4 Lobes

Frontal lobe: front of the brain (outermost layer = prefrontal cortex)

Parietal lobe: top

Occipital lobe: back

Temporal lobe: bottom

CEREBELLUM: underneath temporal and occipital lobe

Role of Frontal Lobe

• CEO

• Recognizes future consequences from current actions

• Resist urges

• Make deliberate decisions and follow through