A split-brain patient is presented with instructions in their left visual field to draw a circle. The experimenter verbally asks the patient to explain why they drew a circle. Which of the following responses is the patient MOST likely to report?
A)"I was drawing a clock."
B)"I'm not sure why I drew a circle."
C)"I did not draw a circle."
D)They will not respond.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the instructions were presented in the patient's left visual field, which is processed in the right hemisphere of the brain, the patient may not have access to language centers in the left hemisphere needed to verbally explain the reason for their action. However, the right hemisphere is responsible for spatial perception and may interpret the circle as part of a clock. Therefore, the patient may report that they were drawing a clock (option A). Option B is also possible, as the patient may not be aware of the reason for their action. Option C is unlikely as the patient did, in fact, draw a circle, and option D is not a valid response.

A Split-Brain Patient Is Presented with Instructions in Their Left