Psychology: Diego Burgos: PHINEAS GAGE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phineas_Gage

1. Who was Phineas Gage?

Phineas Gage was born in 1823 I n Vermont and became a railroad construction worker. He is remember through history and psychology because he survived a bizarre accident that changed his life afterwards.

2. Describe the event which caused his injury.

While he was working on a railroad a tamping iron went under his left cheekbone and through the top of his head, landing about 30 yards behind him. Phineas was knocked over but did not lost his consciousness even though the front part of the left side of his brain was completely destroyed. Dr. Harlow treated him and he had a rapid recovery.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/science/case_study_20080521.shtml

3. What happened to him as a result of his injuries?

A couple of years after his injury he came back to work, but he had a strange change of personality. Before the accident he was a very good and nice person, efficient and had a well-balanced mind. After the accident he became irregular, rude, and grossly disrespectful, and showed little difference for its fellows.

4. What did we learn about the brain based on this case study?

We learned that the brain controls some attributes of people like personality. After part of his brain was destroyed Phineas became a mean and rude person that said what he thought without bothering if this comments would hurt the other person’s feelings.

5. Explain the idea of brain localization?

The idea of brain localization means that different parts of the brain carry out different kinds of functions and that not all parts of the brain do the same thing.

6. Explain the concept of brain lateralization?

Brain lateralization is that the left and right side of the brain can control many different aspects of behavior in different categories.