Chapter 49: Q49-9TYU (page 1104)
Consider an individual who had been fluent in American Sign Language before suffering an injury to his left cerebral hemisphere. After the injury, he could still understand that sign language but could not readily generate sign language that represented his thoughts. Propose two hypotheses that could explain this finding. How might you distinguish between them?
Short Answer
The conditions of the individual suggest that he had encountered an injury in the cerebrum鈥檚 Broca area and developed Broca鈥檚 aphasia. It can also be hypothesized that the individual developed Parkinson鈥檚 disease.
If the individual suffers from Broca鈥檚 aphasia, they would only have difficulty generating sign languages. In contrast, if the individual has Parkinson鈥檚 disease, they would have overall difficulty in motor movement accompanied by tremor and postural changes.