How did gall and penfield approach towards brain function differ?

Answer 1

Franz Joseph Gall is best known for developing phrenology, the theory that specific mental faculties and traits corresponded to distinct areas of the brain, which he believed could be mapped by examining the shape of the skull. In contrast, Wilder Penfield utilized direct electrical stimulation of the brain during neurosurgery to map functional areas, leading to a more empirical understanding of brain functions related to motor and sensory experiences. While Gall's approach was largely theoretical and based on external observations, Penfield's work was rooted in direct experimentation and observation of brain activity. This difference highlights the evolution from speculative theories of brain function to a more scientific, evidence-based approach.