# Localization of function

> IB Psychology · IB Psychology 2027 First Assessment
> Source: https://www.owlsprep.com/study/ib-psychology-bio-localization-of-function/

The role of localization of function in explaining human behaviour and cognition.

## Learning objectives

- The role of localization of function in explaining human behaviour and cognition.

## How often is this tested?

Based on OwlsPrep's analysis of official CIE IB_PSYCH P1 past papers (2019–2025): **Localization of function** appears **5 times** in the last 7 years — **2.2%** of all P1 questions (5 of 228).

Most-tested forms: SAQ: Describe (9 marks) (4), Essay: Evaluate (22 marks) (1).

## Core concept

Localization is the idea that specific mental functions are handled by specific brain areas — for example the hippocampus for forming new long-term declarative (explicit) memories. The evidence comes mainly from brain-damage case studies and imaging. The opposite pole is that some functions are distributed across networks and the brain can reorganise (plasticity), so strict localization is best treated as a starting model rather than the full story.

## Key studies

IB Psychology answers must be supported by named studies. Learn these to cite as evidence:

**Scoville & Milner (1957)** — Case study of H.M.: removal of the hippocampus caused severe anterograde amnesia for new declarative memories but left procedural memory intact. — *Localises the formation of new declarative memories, and shows memory is not a single store.*

**Saxe & Kanwisher (2003)** — fMRI localised reasoning about others' beliefs to the temporo-parietal junction. — *Imaging evidence localising a higher social-cognitive function.*

## Evaluation (AO3)

**Strength — converging evidence** — Case-study damage and imaging point to the same regions, strengthening the localization claim.

**Limitation — cases + plasticity** — Case studies like H.M. are single and unrepeatable (generalisation problem), and plasticity means damaged functions can partly relocate — so localization is not absolute.

## Scope

> **note**
>
> The localization idea and its evidence are the focus; the memory systems H.M. reveals are developed further in Learning and cognition.

## Common pitfalls

- **Wrong:** One area is solely responsible for a function.
  - Why it fails: A frequently penalised misconception in IB Psychology exams.
  - Correct: Most functions involve networks; localization identifies a critical hub, but lesion evidence and plasticity show other areas contribute or can take over.

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