Question 1: Explain what is meant by a 'split-brain' operation and why it might be performed.

Answer: A split-brain operation involves cutting the corpus callosum, which connects the two halves of the brain. It is done to reduce severe seizures in epilepsy patients.

Question 2: Describe what might happen if a person with a split-brain is asked to pick up an object with their left hand.

Answer: They might have difficulty picking up the object because the right hemisphere (which controls the left hand) cannot communicate easily with the left hemisphere, which is typically responsible for language.

Question 3: Imagine a split-brain patient is shown a picture of a cat in their left visual field. Which hand are they likely to use to pick up a picture of a cat? Explain your answer.

Answer: They are likely to use their left hand to pick up the picture because the left visual field connects to the right hemisphere, which controls the left hand. The right hemisphere can recognize the image but cannot verbally identify it.

Question 4: Describe what might happen if a split-brain patient is asked to say what they saw in their right visual field.

Answer: They will likely be able to say what they saw because the right visual field connects to the left hemisphere, which is responsible for language and speech.

Question 5: Suppose a split-brain patient is shown a picture of a dog in their right visual field and an apple in their left visual field at the same time. What can they verbally describe? Why?

Answer: They can probably say they saw a dog because the right visual field connects to the left hemisphere, which controls speech. They might not be able to verbally describe the apple because it was in the left visual field, connected to the right hemisphere, which does not control language.

Question 6: Draw a simple diagram showing how visual information from the left and right visual fields is processed in a split-brain patient. Label the left and right visual fields and the corresponding hemispheres.

Answer: A diagram should show two eyes with lines indicating the left visual field going to the right hemisphere and the right visual field going to the left hemisphere. Labels should include 'Left Visual Field,' 'Right Visual Field,' 'Left Hemisphere,' and 'Right Hemisphere.'

Question 7: Why does split-brain research provide evidence for lateralization of brain functions?

Answer: Because it shows that different functions, like language and spatial awareness, are mainly controlled by one side of the brain, and splitting the connection between sides reveals these differences.

Question 8: What might be a limitation of split-brain research in understanding the brain as a whole?

Answer: It might oversimplify brain functions by focusing only on the two hemispheres and ignoring how they work together in a normal brain.

Question 9: Sketch a simple diagram of the brain with the corpus callosum labeled. Leave space for the student to add their drawing.

Answer: A sketch should show a side view of the brain with the corpus callosum as a band in the middle, connecting the two hemispheres. The label should clearly identify the corpus callosum.

Question 10: Identify one real-life condition or situation where split-brain research might help scientists understand human behavior.

Answer: It helps in understanding how people with severe epilepsy experience and process information differently, especially how they perceive and respond to stimuli in each hemisphere.