Psychology · Year 13 · Biopsychology · 2.º Período

Localisation of Function in the Brain

Students map the motor, somatosensory, visual, and auditory centres of the brain. They also study Broca's and Wernicke's areas and the effects of specific brain damage.

TL;DR:Localisation of function is the theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific physical and psychological functions. Students study the motor, somatosensory, visual, and auditory centres, alongside the language centres: Broca's and Wernicke's areas. This topic is a vital part of the Biopsychology unit, providing the anatomical foundation for understanding human behaviour.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA A-level Psychology 7182 - 4.2.2.2
• AQA A-level Psychology 7182 - 4.2.2.1

About This Topic

Localisation of function is the theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific physical and psychological functions. Students study the motor, somatosensory, visual, and auditory centres, alongside the language centres: Broca's and Wernicke's areas. This topic is a vital part of the Biopsychology unit, providing the anatomical foundation for understanding human behaviour.

By examining case studies like Phineas Gage and Tan, students see the direct link between brain damage and personality or speech changes. This topic is particularly well-suited to hands-on, student-centered approaches. Students grasp the complex geography of the brain faster when they can physically map these areas and simulate the effects of lesions through role play or collaborative diagrams.

Key Questions

1. What specific functions are localised in the cerebral cortex?
2. How does damage to Broca's area affect speech production?
3. What does the Phineas Gage case tell us about frontal lobe function?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

We only use 10% of our brains.

What to Teach Instead

This is a myth; brain scans show that almost every part of the brain has a known function and is active throughout the day. Using active investigations into fMRI data helps students see that the whole brain is a hive of activity, even if functions are localised.

Common Misconception

Broca's and Wernicke's areas are the only parts of the brain involved in language.

What to Teach Instead

While they are the primary centres, language is a complex network involving many areas. Peer-led discussions about modern neural imaging can help students understand that localisation is more nuanced than 'one spot, one job'.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

The 'Aphasia' Role Play

In pairs, one student acts as a doctor and the other as a patient with either Broca's or Wernicke's aphasia. The 'patient' must attempt to communicate based on their specific symptoms while the 'doctor' diagnoses which area is damaged.

30 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle

Mapping the Cortex

Using large outlines of the brain, small groups use different coloured materials or labels to map the four lobes and the specific functional centres. They must include a 'consequence card' for each area describing what happens if it is damaged.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Phineas Gage Mystery

Students read the original accounts of Phineas Gage's accident. They work individually to list his symptoms, pair up to link those symptoms to the frontal lobe, and share why this case was a turning point for localisation theory.

25 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Broca's and Wernicke's areas?

Broca's area, located in the left frontal lobe, is primarily responsible for speech production; damage leads to slow, laborious speech. Wernicke's area, in the left temporal lobe, is responsible for language comprehension; damage results in fluent but nonsensical speech. Essentially, Broca's is about 'doing' speech, while Wernicke's is about 'understanding' it.

Where is the somatosensory cortex located and what does it do?

The somatosensory cortex is located in the parietal lobe, specifically along the postcentral gyrus. It processes sensory input from the skin, such as touch, pressure, pain, and temperature. The amount of cortex devoted to a body part is proportional to its sensitivity, not its size.

How did the case of Phineas Gage support localisation of function?

Phineas Gage suffered a severe injury where an iron rod passed through his left frontal lobe. While he survived and retained his cognitive abilities, his personality changed drastically from being calm to being aggressive and irresponsible. This provided early evidence that specific functions, like personality and impulse control, are localised in the frontal lobes.

This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns. How?

Physical modelling, such as creating 3D brain maps or using 'living diagrams' where students stand in the positions of brain centres, helps solidify spatial memory. When students physically place Broca's area in the frontal lobe, they are more likely to remember its location and function during an exam than if they had only seen it on a 2D slide.