Lesion Techniques for Behavioral Experiments

Historically, the lesion method has been one of the most popular techniques used for the study of brain-behavior relationships. The basic theory of lesioning is conceptually very simple: The function of a brain area is inferred by observing the deficits that are produced when the area is removed from the brain. This method of establishing brain-behavior relationships has been used in humans; damage to a brain area through injury or degenerative disease, although not intentionally placed, can still be used to assess brain function. Indeed, much of the very early neurological literature was established by observing the behavioral performance of brain damaged individuals (e.g., Broca, 1861; Hughlings-Jackson, 1931).