Discussion 2: Brain Localization and Mind Limits psych

Description

ntroduction

This week’s discussion will continue to explore brain localization, as you select two structures and explain how their functions may be related, and consider some of the early evidence for localization. Finally, you will discuss the misattribution of some functions too.

Directions

1. View: Meet Your Master: Getting to Know Your Brain

2. Read: Mind over matter? Alex Hutchinson explains the role of the brain when it comes to the limits of human endurance

3. Read: Fatigue is All in Your Head

4. Post: Write an original post for this week’s discussion that includes one paragraph for each of the following prompts:

Choose two parts of the brain described in the video above (Getting to Know Your Brain). Think about how their functions might be related. Describe how a neuron in one structure might depend on what is happening in a neuron in the other structure.
Draw a conclusion about the way we localize functions in the brain: Was Broca justified in labeling a speech center in the brain with so few patients? How many brains are necessary to draw a conclusion? What does localization mean, after all? There is no strictly right or wrong answer to this question, only thoughtful responses.
Describe an example in your own experience of misattributing a body function to a mental function or misattributing a mental function to a body function. For example, did doing chores as a kid really make you tired?