1. Localization of the Brain
September 21, 2017

2. Early Studies on Localiazation
Localization of function is the concept that different parts of the brain are responsible for individual and discreet functions.
Much of the early research on localization of function was the result of studies of patients with brain damage - for example, Paul Broca’s study of Tan. More modern studies of localization of function make use of brain imaging techniques.
Phineas Gage

3. Laterization
Further research pioneered by Sperry examined the concept of lateralization. Lateralization is defined as the assignment of certain brain functions to specific hemispheres - that is, that some functions are associated primarily with the right hemisphere, and some with the left.
Split Brain Patient

4. Equipotentiality
Some early theorists proposed an alternative argument - the Theory of Equipotentiality. According to this theory, the effects of damage to the brain are determined by the extent rather than the location of the damage. Lashley argued that higher cognitive processes are distributed and are not localized - but rather, most basic skills are localized.
This led to a deeper understanding of neuroplasticity.

5. Explain one study related to the localization of function in the brain

6. Localization Functions of Behavior
The learning objective is to explain one study of localization of function. Therefore, it is important that students are able to outline the aim, procedure and findings of the study. It is also essential that they are able to identify the specific behaviour and the part of the brain to which that behaviour is localized.
The localization of memory consolidation in the hippocampus: Includes HM, Meany, Carion, Maguire
Fiske's studies with the fMRI to see fear responses in the amygdala
Fessler's research on the localization of disgust responses in the insula gyrus.
Thompson's study of the localization of classically conditioned responses in the lateral interpositus nucleus of the cerebellum.
LeVay's research on the potential localization of sexuality in the INAH3 nuclei of the hypothalamus
Raine's research on the criminal brain.