Compare and contrast a CT scan and a PET scan.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following: Both types of scans are types of brain-imaging procedures. However, a CT scan is an x-ray used to assess brain structure, whereas a PET scan is used to assess brain function.
The enlargement of the somatosensory area for dominant fingers in violin players is an example of the effects of __________ on brain plasticity.
Compare the historical view on hemispheric specialization with the current perspective of hemispheric specialization. What type of research occurred to propel this change in perspective?
Responses may vary and should include some or all of the following: Historically, researchers claimed that the left hemisphere was the dominant hemisphere where all higher brain functions, such as reasoning and problem solving, took place. The right hemisphere was generally viewed as having no special functions or capabilities. The current perspective on hemispheric specialization claims that the left hemisphere is better at verbal processing tasks, while the right hemisphere is better at nonverbal processing tasks. Research involving the effects of split-brain surgery is what propelled this change in perspective.
Compare and contrast Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. Describe how each was discovered.
Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Broca’s area is the area of the brain that controls speech production. It was discovered by Paul Broca after he discovered a lesion in the left frontal lobe of a patient who could not speak. Wernicke’s area is the area of the brain that controls speech comprehension. Like Broca’s area, it also plays a role in speech production. Wernicke’s area was discovered by Carl Wernicke, who found that damage to the left temporal lobe resulted in speech deficits.
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