As the question inevitably suggests, define the term and distinguish between it and lateralization. The ESSAY should show an awareness of how the concept developed in neuropsychology and how it is the guiding PRINCIPLE of neuropsychology (some argue). A very good answer will address the problem of defining a function. A very good answer will also OUTLINE some of the problems associated with localizing function, based on brain injury DATA and the problems in extrapolating from these patients to healthy individuals and normal psychological functioning, and based on neuroimaging data (where decreased activation does not necessarily mean that the deactivated area is not INVOLVED in a function).

As the question inevitably suggests, define the term and distinguish between it and lateralization. The essay should show an awareness of how the concept developed in neuropsychology and how it is the guiding principle of neuropsychology (some argue). A very good answer will address the problem of defining a function. A very good answer will also outline some of the problems associated with localizing function, based on brain injury data and the problems in extrapolating from these patients to healthy individuals and normal psychological functioning, and based on neuroimaging data (where decreased activation does not necessarily mean that the deactivated area is not involved in a function).