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Sperry (Theories study is based on (Human brain has 2 hemispheres. Similar…
Sperry
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Research method
Usually considered quasi/natural experiment because IV (split brain or not) wasn't directly manipulated by researchers. Split brain participants had already undergone surgery to reduce severe epilepsy. No control group necessary because normal brain functioning is already known.
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Sample
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First patient had surgery over 5.5 years previous. 2nd participant had hers over 4 years previous to study.
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Procedure
Sperry used tasks investigate functions of right and left hemisphere. Tasks carried out in lab conditions, with specialised equipment, highly standardised.
Presenting visual information: Participant covered one eye, centred gaze on screen. It was presented for 1/10 of a second so that the info doesn't go to wrong field. Everything projected to left central meridian of screen passed via left visual field to right hemisphere, vice versa.
Presenting tactile info: below translucent screen gap so grab objects but not see their hands. Objects placed into pp left/right hand or both. Info placed into left hand processed by right hemisphere, vice versa.
Background to study
Previous research using split brain animals showed behavioural effects. Sperry carried out other experiments relating to the cutting of the corpus callosum and said it's less severe than other cerebral surgery, e.g. frontal lobotomy
Akelaitis(1944) no important behavioural effects surgical section of corpus callosum in humans, providing other brain damage excluded.
Aim
Sperry set out in this study to show that each hemisphere:
- Possesses independent stream of conscious awareness.
- Own separate chain of memories, inaccessible to the other.
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