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Localization of Function Studies

The studies by Milner (1966) and Maguire (2000) examined localization of function in the brain. Milner studied patient HM who had damage to the hippocampus and found he had anterograde amnesia, showing the hippocampus is involved in forming new memories. Maguire found that London taxi drivers, who rely on spatial navigation skills, had larger hippocampi than controls, indicating its role in spatial memory. These studies contributed to understanding how different areas of the brain are specialized for different functions and mental processes.

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600 views

Localization of Function Studies

The studies by Milner (1966) and Maguire (2000) examined localization of function in the brain. Milner studied patient HM who had damage to the hippocampus and found he had anterograde amnesia, showing the hippocampus is involved in forming new memories. Maguire found that London taxi drivers, who rely on spatial navigation skills, had larger hippocampi than controls, indicating its role in spatial memory. These studies contributed to understanding how different areas of the brain are specialized for different functions and mental processes.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Localization

Milner (1966) & Maguire (2000)


IB Outcome: Explain one study related to localization of
function. (Describe, analyse, outline)

What information do you need to include within the first


paragraph containing general knowledge about localization?

● Define Localisation of Function (LOF)


● State/Introduce the parts of the brain
Localization of Function
Different areas/parts of the brain are associated with different
functions of behavior and/or mental processes.

Can we remember some examples?


Hippocampus
involved in the formation of new memories and is also
associated with learning and emotions
Bio Approach Research Chart

1. Empirical Information about Studies


a. Aim, participants, procedure, conclusions, strengths, limitations,
ethics
2. How Studies fit with Learning Outcomes
a. Localization, neurotransmitters, hormones, environment, brain
imaging techniques, genetics, etc.
Milner (1966) Maguire (2000)
Read the text. Read the text.
Take notes on empirical characteristics Take notes on empirical
of studies characteristics of studies
How does this fit within the Learning How does this fit within the Learning
Outcomes for BLOA Outcomes for BLOA
Milner (1966)
Aim: To see the causes of anterograde
amnesia

Procedure: Milner conducted many


different studies to observe HM. These
studies included Psychometric testing
(IQ tests), Direct observation of his
behavior, Cognitive testing, and an MRI
to assess the long lasting damage to the
patient’s brain.
Milner (1966)
Results: HM had some sort of working
memory because he was able to carry out a
conversation with people. His Procedural
memory was intact as well because he still
remembered his basic motor skills. He did
lose his ability to develop new episodic and
semantic knowledge. The MRI revealed that
the hippocampus had the most damage and
that was the reason for the disconnect
between short-term and long-term memory.
Milner (1966)
Evaluation:

The study revealed that there were different places for the storage of
memory (short-term and long-term). It also revealed where these
memories are located. This study was very important to show what would
happen when certain parts of the brain were damaged. Overall this case
was monumental towards expanding our knowledge on the biological
factors of our memories. However, questions of validity arise because
there is no way to ever replicate it exactly.
Maguire (2000)
Aim:
To investigate whether or not the
hippocampus plays a role in human spatial
memory

Procedure:
• London taxi drivers with a range of age
and experience were the participants because
their work requires the extensive use of
spatial navigational skills
• Matched pairs design: participants were
age and gender matched with a control group
• Two different types of MRI scanning
were used to assess how the brains of the taxi
drivers differed from the control group
Maguire (2000)
Results:
• Taxi cab drivers showed
significantly more grey matter in both
left and right hippocampi compared to
the control group

Evaluation:
• No researcher bias
• No ethical implications
• Only observed males
• Only observed 16 matched pairs
Exit Slip: Complete a SAQ Paragraph Two

Outline one study related to localization of function.

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