In Your Psychology Class, You Learned About the Famous Case

question 289

Multiple Choice

In your psychology class, you learned about the famous case in which railroad worker Phineas Gage suffered a severe head injury. An iron rod he was using hit blasting powder, causing the rod to shoot up and through his head. Phineas Gage survived with his basic abilities intact, although his personality underwent a profound change. Phineas Gage's case BEST illustrates the idea that:

• A) specific parts of the brain correspond to specific functions.
• B) the brain adapts its functioning in response to damage.
• C) new neurons are created after the brain has been damaged.
• D) damage to the brainstem can cause personality change.

---

Definitions:

Uncontrolled Growth

Refers to the rapid and unchecked increase in the size or number of cells, often associated with cancer.

Reaction Time

The amount of time taken to respond to a stimulus, reflecting the speed of processing information and making decisions.

Stimulus

Any object or event that evokes a sensory or behavioral response in an organism.

Benign Tumors

Non-cancerous growths in the body that are typically not harmful and do not spread to other parts of the body.