How have neuroscientists gained insight into brain contributions to cognitive abilities?

Neuroscientists have gained significant insights into how different areas of the brain contribute to cognitive abilities through case studies. This method involves detailed examinations of individuals who have experienced specific brain injuries or neurological conditions, allowing researchers to observe the impacts on cognitive functions. By analyzing how these conditions affect behavior, memory, language, and other cognitive processes, scientists can learn a great deal about the localization of functions in the brain.

For example, case studies of patients with damage to certain regions, such as Broca's area or Wernicke's area, have illuminated the roles these areas play in language production and comprehension. Such insights are invaluable in understanding the relationship between brain structure and cognitive ability, providing data that can lead to broader theories about how cognitive functions are organized in the brain.