You are examining a split-brain patient. After flashing a picture of a bird in the patient's left visual field, which response are you likely to get?
A) The patient says "bird" but is unable to chirp.
B) The patient says "bird" and points to a bird with the left hand.
C) The patient points to a bird with the right hand but is unable to say "bird."
D) The patient points to a bird with the left hand but is unable to say "bird."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In split-brain patients, the left visual field is processed by the right hemisphere, which is typically less language-dominant than the left hemisphere. Therefore, when a picture is flashed in the left visual field, the patient is likely to have difficulty verbally identifying it. However, the patient should be able to use their left hand (which is controlled by the right hemisphere) to point to the corresponding object. Thus, choice D is the correct answer - the patient points to a bird with the left hand but is unable to say "bird."

You Are Examining a Split-Brain Patient