1. Unit 3-B (D): The Brain and Language
Mr. McCormick
A.P. Psychology

2. Do-Now (Discussion)
Why are psychologists interested in studying language?
What enables humans to speak/understand language, while other animals are unable to do so?
What cognitive processes must occur in order to speak and understand language?

3. The Brain and Language
Several cognitive processes occur when speaking and understanding language:
Reading words
Interpreting written words as sounds
Interpreting sounds as meanings
Speaking words
Pronouncing words

4. The Brain and Language: Expression and Reception
Broca’s Area:
Controls language expression
Directs muscle movements involved in speech
Left frontal lobe
Wernicke’s Area:
Controls language reception/comprehension
Left temporal lobe

5. Brain Areas Involved in Language Processing

6. Brain Areas Involved in Language Processing
By reading the words on this screen, what areas of the brain are you using?

7. Brain Activity When Hearing/Speaking/Seeing Words

8. The Brain and Language: Language Impairment
Aphasia:
Impairment of language
Damage to left hemisphere:
Broca’s Area (Impairing speaking)
Wernicke’s Area (Impairing understanding)

9. The Brain and Language: Language Impairment
How does this psychological cartoon illustrate Aphasia?

10. Review
What functions of language are associated with the following parts of the brain:
Broca’s Area
Wernicke’s Area
What is Aphasia?
What are its causes?
What are its symptoms?

11. Homework Research Study Response #1: “One Brain or Two?” (Pgs. 1-11)
Unit 3-B Quiz: “The Brain”
Chapter 4 Outline: “Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity”
Unit 3 Project: “3-D Brain Model”