Samantha Cruz
Discuss research on localization of function. COMPLETE
Localization of function is a theory in which brain functions are localized to a specific brain area of region.
Research on localization of function investigates the extent to which this is true. Studies use brain imaging
techniques to find the origin of localization, while studies focusing on lesions in the brain help us understand
how a loss to a function is due to a loss of that brain region. According to this theory, the limbic system is
responsible for emotional responses. Within the limbic system is the amygdala, which attaches emotional
significance to information and mediates impulsive and aggressive behaviour. There is also the hippocampus
which is believed to transfer information from short to long term memory. Overall, research on localization of
function has allowed for a basic understanding of brain function in different brain regions. This has allowed for
various treatments for different brain disorders. However, due to the complex nature of the brain and the
environment we are surrounded by, other research has shown that the brain is pliable due to environmental
stimuli adding weight to the idea of equipotentiality, the ability of the brain to transfer the function of a damaged
part of the brain to a undamaged part.
Feinstein et al. conducted a study with the aim of investigating the role of the amygdala in generating fear. The
researchers conducted a case study on SM who had a rare genetic disorder where she had lesions in both
amygdalas. She was exposed to fearful situations, such as live snakes and spiders as the researchers
observed her reactions. Interviews were also conducted to understand why SM reacted they way she did. It
was found that due to SM’s unique bilateral amygdala lesions, she could no longer experience biological fear.
SM’s reasoning for picking up the animals instead of being fearful of them was due to her “curiosity”. The
researchers concluded that the amygdala is a critical brain region for triggering a state of fear during
threatening situations. Overall, this research illustrates and supports localization of fear being in the amygdala.
Although localization is well supported there is limited generalizability of results due to the use of a case study.
This highlights one of the issues of research on localization as case studies are used, but the sample is too
focused on a unique population. This questions the transferability of results to the wider population of those
with intact amygdalas. In addition to this, case studies require frequent interactions between researcher and
participant. It is important for the researcher to maintain a professional relationship so this factor would not
lead to researcher bias. However, this study does provide a lucid illustration of fear as SM was able to
experience all emotions besides fear. This highlights the importance of investigating lesions when researching
localization as it focuses on the lost of a function.
Milner and Corkin conducted another case study to investigate the extent of HM’s amnesia, and how this
affected his everyday life to focus on localization of transfer of memory in the hippocampus. HM frequently
had epileptic seizures and had surgery to try and help this by removing his hippocampal tissue and temporal
lobes. Milner used many strategies to study HM during his life, such as: observations and cognitive testing.
Later, Corkin used a MRI to look at the extent HM’s hippocampus was damaged. Milner found that HM had
partial retrograde amnesia (remembering the past) and total anterograde amnesia (remembering the present).
Corkin found that HM’s hippocampus was the most damaged brain region. Putting these results together, this
supports localization of transferring information from short to long term memory. This study further illustrates
the benefits of using case studies when conducting research on localization, but there as aspects to consider,
as mentioned above.
On the contrary, other research supports the idea that the brain can rearrange its neural connections due to
changes in the internal body or external environment, also known as neuroplasticity. Maguire et al.’s quasi
experiment highlights the pliability of the hippocampus in London taxi drivers. The aim was to investigate if
changes could be detected in the brain of London taxi drivers and to further investigate the role of the
hippocampus in spatial memory. 16 right-handed healthy male taxi drivers had their brains scanned under a
Discuss research on localization of function. COMPLETE
Localization of function is a theory in which brain functions are localized to a specific brain area of region.
Research on localization of function investigates the extent to which this is true. Studies use brain imaging
techniques to find the origin of localization, while studies focusing on lesions in the brain help us understand
how a loss to a function is due to a loss of that brain region. According to this theory, the limbic system is
responsible for emotional responses. Within the limbic system is the amygdala, which attaches emotional
significance to information and mediates impulsive and aggressive behaviour. There is also the hippocampus
which is believed to transfer information from short to long term memory. Overall, research on localization of
function has allowed for a basic understanding of brain function in different brain regions. This has allowed for
various treatments for different brain disorders. However, due to the complex nature of the brain and the
environment we are surrounded by, other research has shown that the brain is pliable due to environmental
stimuli adding weight to the idea of equipotentiality, the ability of the brain to transfer the function of a damaged
part of the brain to a undamaged part.
Feinstein et al. conducted a study with the aim of investigating the role of the amygdala in generating fear. The
researchers conducted a case study on SM who had a rare genetic disorder where she had lesions in both
amygdalas. She was exposed to fearful situations, such as live snakes and spiders as the researchers
observed her reactions. Interviews were also conducted to understand why SM reacted they way she did. It
was found that due to SM’s unique bilateral amygdala lesions, she could no longer experience biological fear.
SM’s reasoning for picking up the animals instead of being fearful of them was due to her “curiosity”. The
researchers concluded that the amygdala is a critical brain region for triggering a state of fear during
threatening situations. Overall, this research illustrates and supports localization of fear being in the amygdala.
Although localization is well supported there is limited generalizability of results due to the use of a case study.
This highlights one of the issues of research on localization as case studies are used, but the sample is too
focused on a unique population. This questions the transferability of results to the wider population of those
with intact amygdalas. In addition to this, case studies require frequent interactions between researcher and
participant. It is important for the researcher to maintain a professional relationship so this factor would not
lead to researcher bias. However, this study does provide a lucid illustration of fear as SM was able to
experience all emotions besides fear. This highlights the importance of investigating lesions when researching
localization as it focuses on the lost of a function.
Milner and Corkin conducted another case study to investigate the extent of HM’s amnesia, and how this
affected his everyday life to focus on localization of transfer of memory in the hippocampus. HM frequently
had epileptic seizures and had surgery to try and help this by removing his hippocampal tissue and temporal
lobes. Milner used many strategies to study HM during his life, such as: observations and cognitive testing.
Later, Corkin used a MRI to look at the extent HM’s hippocampus was damaged. Milner found that HM had
partial retrograde amnesia (remembering the past) and total anterograde amnesia (remembering the present).
Corkin found that HM’s hippocampus was the most damaged brain region. Putting these results together, this
supports localization of transferring information from short to long term memory. This study further illustrates
the benefits of using case studies when conducting research on localization, but there as aspects to consider,
as mentioned above.
On the contrary, other research supports the idea that the brain can rearrange its neural connections due to
changes in the internal body or external environment, also known as neuroplasticity. Maguire et al.’s quasi
experiment highlights the pliability of the hippocampus in London taxi drivers. The aim was to investigate if
changes could be detected in the brain of London taxi drivers and to further investigate the role of the
hippocampus in spatial memory. 16 right-handed healthy male taxi drivers had their brains scanned under a
