One example of brain localisation is that neurons in the prefrontal cortex play a key role

in controlling one’s aggression, which covers the front of the frontal lobe of the brain.

The localisation of brain function, in short, means that the different areas of the brain
are associated with different behaviours and mental processes. These behaviours and
processes are said to be functions that the brain performs. It touches on the point that
the brain is made up of many specialised modules, each with its specific function. An
example of this is the prefrontal cortex, which allows us to think about the
consequences of our actions, which can help restrain ourselves from acting in a violent
or aggressive manner. Aggressive behaviour is defined as any behaviour which is
aimed at harming a person or animal, or damaging physical property. In short, the
prefrontal cortex helps in controlling primitive reactions to stimulus. There are multiple
case studies that have undergone in the past, which demonstrate the localisation of
brain function. Recently, this idea has been supported by a vast number of
neuroimaging studies.

One study which focuses on localisation of function of the brain is the Vietnam Head
Injury Study (VHIS), which gathered and analysed data from Vietnam war veterans.
This study was conducted by Grafman et al. in 1996, in which 279 Vietnam war
veterans who suffered from injuries that caused damage to the brain, were compared
with 57 healthy people, who acted like controls in this situation. Participants were asked
to fill out forms (self-report forms), while family observations were gathered. All the data
needed was gathered, and there was thorough analysis done of the self-report forms
which tested the aggressive tendencies of the participants and family observations. The
results showed that veterans who suffered damage or injuries to their prefrontal cortex
showed higher levels of aggression than the veterans who suffered damage or injuries
to other parts of the brain. There was a prevalence in verbal aggression rather than
physical aggression. However, the study was unable to perceive any correlation
between the level of brain damage and behaviour, instead, it was found that ‘disruption
to family activities’ had a relation with behaviour, with increased disruption causing
increased levels of aggression or violence.

Researchers hypothesised that the prefrontal cortex was responsible for exerting control
on aggressive or violent reactions due to external factors such as ‘disruption to family
activities’. This was proved as war veterans who suffered damage to the prefrontal
cortex displayed more instances of violent behaviour, compared to the war veterans
who suffered damage to other parts of the brain. To conclude, the Vietnam Head Injury
Study (VHIS) supports the theory that the prefrontal cortex is responsible for exerting
control on primitive reactions and environmental provocation.