A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

In the context of Sperry et al (1968), what is the main focus of the study?

1. The psychological effects of hemispheric disconnection

2. The physical structure of the brain hemispheres

3. The role of the corpus callosum in speech

4. The impact of epilepsy on cognitive function

The correct answer is: The psychological effects of hemispheric disconnection

The main focus of Sperry et al. (1968) revolves around the psychological effects of hemispheric disconnection, specifically in patients who had undergone a procedure known as a corpus callosotomy. This was primarily performed to alleviate severe epilepsy. By studying split-brain patients, Sperry was able to explore how the separate hemispheres of the brain communicate and function independently when the corpus callosum, the structure that connects the two hemispheres, is severed. The findings revealed distinct functions in each hemisphere, contributing to significant insights into lateralization of brain function. For example, the left hemisphere is often associated with language and verbal processing, while the right is linked to spatial and visual tasks. By emphasizing the behavioral aspects and psychological outcomes of this disconnection, the study provided critical evidence about how these hemispheric functions are affected when communication between the two is disrupted.