AP Psychology
Mr. Allen
NAME: ___________________
Period _____
The Split Brain Problem Assignment
Early studies in brain function led to the conclusion that the hemispheres of
the cerebral cortex specialize in certain kinds of activities. Some reports
have exaggerated the difference between the right and left brains' effects on
behavior; in reality, most behaviors rely on an integrated functioning that
causes both hemispheres to hum with electrical activity. However, we can
explore the idea of hemispheric specialization by identifying the side of the
brain that might be primarily responsible for certain behaviors. The
discussion here assumes a right-handed person with no brain damage.
The left hemisphere is primarily responsible for matters of language,
symbols, logic, and mathematics. The right hemisphere, sometimes
referred to as the more creative hemisphere, responds to spatial, musical,
and emotional kinds of stimuli. Designate each of the following behaviors
with an R if it is a right-hemisphere specialization and an L if it is a lefthemisphere specialization.
1. Studying concept from psychology ______________________
2. Drawing a map of your campus ___________________________
3. Daydreaming about your next holiday trip ___________________
4. Listening to a piano concert _________________
5. Listening to rap music __________________
6. Thinking about your next " night out" __________________
7. Reading junk mail _________________
8. 6 x 4 - 2 + 5 = _____________________
9. Redecorating your room _________________
10. Doodling _________________
AP Psychology
Mr. Allen
NAME: ___________________
Period _____
The split-brain exercise engages us in using the five critical thinking skills
of pattern recognition. We must observe the target behavior, infer the type
of cognitive skill represented in the target behavior, and relate the
inference to the appropriate hemisphere responsible for that type of skill in
order to explain hemisphere specialization. Then we describe our
conclusions, emphasizing appropriate behavioral concepts.
After completing this exercise, you should be able to
+ Differentiate the primary functions of the right and left hemispheres.
+ State the kind of brain function implied by each activity.
+ Classify the targeted brain ability and relate it to the proper hemisphere.
+ Speculate about the possible losses that might be connected with
hemispheric damage.
Source: The Critical Thinking Companion For Introductory Psychology Second Edition - Halon and Gray