A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What procedure is involved in hemisphere disconnection as described in Sperry et al (1968)?

1. Severing the connections between left and right hemispheres

2. Studying the effects of medication on epilepsy

3. Conducting brain scans of intact hemispheric function

4. Applying cognitive therapy to patients

The correct answer is: Severing the connections between left and right hemispheres

The procedure involved in hemisphere disconnection, as described in Sperry et al. (1968), refers specifically to the act of severing the connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This surgical technique, known as a corpus callosotomy, involves cutting the corpus callosum, which is the bundle of neural fibers that facilitates communication between the two hemispheres. By severing these connections, researchers were able to study the distinct functions and capabilities of each hemisphere, particularly in patients with severe epilepsy. This disconnection allowed for a unique opportunity to understand lateralization of brain function, revealing that certain cognitive processes are localized predominantly in one hemisphere or the other. For example, the left hemisphere is typically associated with language processing, while the right hemisphere is often linked to spatial abilities and recognition tasks. This procedure was significant in providing insights into cerebral organization and has implications for understanding various neurological conditions. The other choices do not capture the essence of hemisphere disconnection as they relate to different areas of research or intervention unrelated to the specific surgical process of severing connections between hemispheres.