Final answer:
Studies of split-brain patients provide insights into the functions of the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Split-brain patients show the different abilities of each hemisphere, such as the left hemisphere being responsible for language function and the right hemisphere being capable of non-verbal recognition. These studies help researchers understand how each hemisphere processes and interprets information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies of split-brain patients help researchers understand the functions of the left and right cerebral hemispheres by observing the unique behaviors and abilities exhibited by these patients. When an object is presented to the left visual field of split-brain patients, they are unable to verbally name the object because the visual input from the left visual field enters the right hemisphere, which cannot signal to the speech center typically found in the left side of the brain. However, if the patients are asked to pick up a specific object with their left hand, they can do so correctly, indicating that the right hemisphere is capable of non-verbal recognition. Split-brain studies also reveal that the left hemisphere is usually responsible for language function, but the right hemisphere can recognize and interpret visual information.