Explain one study related to localization of function in the brain.
Localization of brain:
Different parts of the brain can carry out different functions
The case of H.M.
H.M. had epilepsy. When he was 27, a surgery is conducted in order to stop the seizures. His medial temproal lobe was removed, his hippocampus was accidentally removed.
Aim: Investigate the effect of the absence of hippocampus (important for long term memory, short term memory and orientation) on memory
Procedure:
Brain scans:
Interviews and cognitive testing:
Naturalistic observation:
Findings:
H.M could retain memories that had happened before the surgery
He could learn new procedural memories
Conclusion:
Hippocampus in in charge of short term memory, memories are not only stored in one part of the brain
Evaluation:
Different parts of the brain can carry out different functions
The case of H.M.
H.M. had epilepsy. When he was 27, a surgery is conducted in order to stop the seizures. His medial temproal lobe was removed, his hippocampus was accidentally removed.
Aim: Investigate the effect of the absence of hippocampus (important for long term memory, short term memory and orientation) on memory
Procedure:
Brain scans:
- show the hippocampus and the amygdala is damaged
Interviews and cognitive testing:
- asked H.M. to repeat numbers and recall every recent events (a minute ago), then repeat the same task after a distraction
Naturalistic observation:
- observed his behavior throughout the day and his reactions to trivial activities in daily life
Findings:
H.M could retain memories that had happened before the surgery
He could learn new procedural memories
Conclusion:
Hippocampus in in charge of short term memory, memories are not only stored in one part of the brain
Evaluation:
- high ecological validity since it's a real life case study
- findings cannot be generalized to a large population
- H.M. might be tired out because of all the tests and interviews that the researcher conducted with him
- researcher bias: researcher spend a lot of time with H.M. and might develop a personal relationship with him