GCSEPsychologyAQAExam QuestionsBrain & NeuropsychologyStructure & Function of the Brain

Structure & Function of the Brain (AQA GCSE Psychology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 8182

43 mins9 questions
1a
1 mark

Which of the following brain structures is being described?

It is located at the back of the brain and looks like a mini-brain. It is only about 10% of the brain's total volume but has over 50% of the neurons.

  • Cerebellum

  • Frontal lobe

  • Occipital lobe

  • Parietal lobe

  • Temporal lobe

Choose your answer

1b
1 mark

Which of the following brain structures is being described?

It is located near the top and centre of the cerebral cortex (cerebrum). It is above one lobe and between two others.

  • Cerebellum

  • Frontal lobe

  • Occipital lobe

  • Parietal lobe

  • Temporal lobe

Choose your answer

2
4 marks

Read the following information.

Adrianna and Jayla were at home watching a movie when they decided to make some popcorn.

Adrianna thought the popcorn looked burnt so she tried some to see how it tasted. It was hot and she burnt her lip. “Ouch, that hurt,” she said.

Jayla looked to see how far away the freezer was and knew she could reach for the ice cubes from where she was standing. She grabbed a handful and tried to ignore how cold they felt. “Your lip does look quite red,” she said, as she handed Adrianna the ice cubes.

From the information, identify two examples of situations where the parietal lobe was involved and identify two examples of situations where the occipital lobe was involved.

How did you do?

3
2 marks

For each of the definitions below, tick one box to identify the correct area of the brain that matches each definition.

Definition

Motor

Somatosensory

Auditory

An area that is concerned with the perception of touch, pressure, pain and temperature

An area that is concerned with the processing of sound

How did you do?

4
6 marks

Penfield studied patients undergoing brain surgery and electrically stimulated areas of the temporal lobe, which he referred to as the interpretive cortex. Some patients reported vivid memories, sounds or images when these areas were stimulated.

Evaluate Penfield’s interpretive cortex study.

How did you do?

5
6 marks

The brain contains four lobes.

Briefly describe each of these structures and their basic function.

How did you do?

6
3 marks

This outline of the brain shows the temporal lobe. This is one of four lobes in the brain.

Side-view diagram of the brain facing left, with the lower temporal lobe shaded grey and labelled “Temporal Lobe”; the other lobes and cerebellum are shown in outline.

On the outline, sketch the location of the three other lobes. Label these three lobes and the cerebellum.

How did you do?

7
3 marks

Read the following article.

Doctors Puzzled by Patient M!

Doctors have been treating a man known as Patient M. He had an accident that left him with a serious brain injury. Although he can still walk and talk, he can feel hardly any sensation in his hands and experiences very little pain. Doctors are trying to find answers to explain this.

Briefly explain localisation of function in the brain.

Refer to the article in your answer.

How did you do?

8a
3 marks

Briefly describe Penfield’s study of the interpretive cortex.

How did you do?

8b
5 marks

Evaluate Penfield’s study of the interpretive cortex.

How did you do?

9
9 marks

Describe Penfield’s case study of the interpretive cortex.

Evaluate the research method used in this study.

How did you do?