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What is one identified short-term effect reported by participants from the Sperry et al (1968) study?

  1. Improved IQ scores

  2. Enhanced visual perception

  3. Short-term memory deficits

  4. Increased emotional response

The correct answer is: Short-term memory deficits

The identified short-term effect reported by participants from the Sperry et al (1968) study relates to short-term memory deficits. This study focused on patients with split-brain conditions and explored how the two hemispheres of the brain process information differently when communication between them is severed. Participants often experienced challenges in integrating visual and tactile information, which could lead to difficulties in short-term memory tasks. For instance, if information was presented to one hemisphere, the participant might not be able to verbalize or recall that information accurately due to the lack of communication with the other hemisphere. This highlights how the brain's lateralization can influence cognitive processes, particularly in individuals who have had corpus callosum surgeries. The findings illustrate the complexities of memory and how deficits can arise in specific tasks as a consequence of the brain's structural limitations. Thus, the observed short-term memory deficits are directly connected to the unique context and conditions of the study.