Interpretive Cortex - GCSE Psychology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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The interpretative cortex is a region within the temporal lobe that stores detailed memories of past experiences and their associated feelings.

Penfield’s brain-stimulation studies showed that activating this area can trigger vivid, dream-like replays of sights, sounds, emotions or a strong sense of déjà vu—evidence that the interpretative cortex gives personal meaning to the raw events we perceive.

In GCSE Psychology, students learn about different areas of the brain and their functions, in this case how the interpretative cortex links together stored memories and emotions.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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