One study related to localization of function.

At the BLOA, the brain is studied in regards to its role in cognitive psychological processes.
The brain is a complex organ, encompassing several memory stores, sections and partitions,
however prior to the 21st century, knowledge regarding the structure of the brain and its
impacts on processing were largely limited to case studies of post-mortem autopsies on those
with brain abnormalities. As such, concepts such as split-brain were limited in their scope,
however recent progressions with modern technology have facilitated our understanding.
Due to the compartmentalized regions of the brain, it was proposed that, through various case
studies largely concerned with memory after physiological brain damage, that different areas
of the brain demonstrated different functions; that is, that certain regions have different
function, thus displaying localization of function.
An iconic study in this field was conducted by Sperry (1968), wherein he aimed to
demonstrate that the different hemispheres of the brain performed different functions, that
they were separate, and performed independently. This was achieved using a sample of 11
split-brain surgery patients who were epileptic and had the procedure as treatment. Sperry
performed various tasks, including showing objects in either the left or right visual field,
simultaneously in both fields, or presenting subjects with objects hidden, which they felt
(tactile condition).
When Sperry presented images to the subjects in the right visual field, they could label them
by name, however were unable to draw them. When presented in the left visual field and
asked to draw with the left hand what theyd seen, this was also possible. However if they
were asked to name it, they couldnt do so.
This suggests that the right and left hemispheres serve different functions. Information in the
left field, registered by the right brain would be drawn primarily because the right brain is
dormant for visuo-spatial reasoning. Therefore, the reason they couldnt articulate what
theyd seen is because the left brain is dormant for language, however didnt register as it was
presented in the left field. These findings support that the different hemispheres show
localization of function, in which certain tasks are limited to particular brain regions.
Additionally, when two objects were presented simultaneously in both visual fields, the
results further demonstrated localization of function. When presented in the left field and
asked to draw, again they were able to. However, when they were asked what theyd drawn
(the object in the left field) the subjects articulated what was presented in the right field. This
is because, again, the left brain, dormant for language, through, processing etc. registered the
right field, whereas the left field was registered by the right brain.
Therefore, Sperry (1968) displays the concept of localization of function, with a few key
points denoting that:
The left & right hemispheres both perform different functions
They are capable of working independently
The LH is dormant for calculated thought including language
The RH is dormant for visual and spatial tasks

Conclusively, the study has been evaluated to lack ecological validity and been criticized for
the small sample, however, it provided a very strong foundation and relevant information
regarding the concept of localization of function.
This one got 8/8 when marked for me.
To shorten it, combine the first 2 paragraphs, as below, and stop at the bottom of the first
page. Because its a describe syllabus point, you dont have to evaluate. Youre short of
time, so dont spend more than 10-15mins or so on each.
The brain is a complex organ, encompassing several memory stores, sections and partitions,
however prior to the 21st century, knowledge regarding its structure and processes was limited
to single case studies. Therefore, the idea of split-brain was limited in scope. However recent
progressions have allowed pursuit of knowledge. Due to the compartmentalized regions of
the brain, it was proposed that, through various case studies largely concerned with memory
after physiological brain damage, that different areas of the brain demonstrated different
functions; that is, that certain regions have different function, thus displaying localization of
function.
An iconic study until Therefore, Sperry displays the concept of localization of function,
providing a strong basis for further research despite identified methodological weaknesses.

Explain how one hormone influences human behaviour.

At the BLOA, there are three underlying principles regarding the role of human biology as a
determinant for behaviour. The third principle, that cognitions, emotions and behaviour are
products of the anatomy and physiology, is relevant in considering how hormones
(physiological component) can affect human behaviour. This has been demonstrated by
Baumgartner et al (2008) and Morhenn et el (2008) with regard to oxytocin.
Oxytocin is secreted by the hypothalamus and released into the bloodstream via the pituitary
gland, or into the brain and spinal cord. It is often deemed the love or trust hormone, and
explained by evolutionary psychologists as a facilitator of social interaction in the
establishment and maintenance of relationships. Therefore, the role of oxytocin is associated
with trusting behaviour in humanity.
Baumgartner et al (2008) investigated its role in participants after breaches of trust occurred
in a game developed to display trust. The game involved an investor receiving money and
deciding either share or not share it with a trustee. If shared, the sum would triple, and the
trustee would decide if it should be shared again, indicating trust, or kept, indicating violation
of trust. In 50% cases, trust was broken, and participants were given feedback on this. It was
found that those who received an oxytocin nasal spray following their fMRI continued to
invest at similar rates despite violation of trust. The converse is also true. Researchers
explained this with fMRI scans, which showed a decreased of acvitity in the amygdala and
caudate nucleus regions involved in emotional processing and learning/memory and trust.
Hence its displayed that oxytocin is capable of facilitating trust even when it has been
violated by potentially lowering the defence mechanisms associated with social risk, through
ignoring negative feedback. However, it must be considered the BLOA is reductionist, and
further, additional sprays of oxytocin dont reflect natural physiological processes.
Morhenn et al (2008) utilized a similar game, however concentrated on how physical touch
could cause oxytocin secretion. In a sample of 96 students, reserachers found that
participants who underwent a 15-minute Swedish massage (massage-and-trust condition),
which has been shown to increase oxytocin levels, decided to send money, and an average
amount of $6.30 which was slightly more than the condition who rested without a massage
(rest-and-trust condition). However, unlike the initial sending of money, when it was sent
back to the decision maker, there was a significant difference between the massage-and-trust
condition and rest-and-trust condition, with the massage-and-trust condition sending an
average of $6.85 back more than the initial amount received. Overall, there was a positive
correlation in participants who were sent money and changes in their oxytocin levels
according to whether theyd rested or had a massage. Interestingly however, those in the third
condition, massage only, showed no significant change in oxytocin levels, as recorded through
pre and post experimental blood tests. Therefore this suggests that receiving money
augmented the greatest trust response, predisposed by a slight increase in oxytocin through
the massage.
Therefore it can be concluded that levels of oxytocin can predict the degree of sacrifice the
participant made in the game, and through this, suggests increased generosity and
cooperation.