Question

How did Phineas' personality change after the spike destroyed his left frontal lobe?

a) He became more introverted and withdrawn.
b) He became more empathetic and compassionate.
c) He became more impulsive and emotionally unstable.
d) He became more logical and analytical.

Answer 1

Phineas Gage's frontal lobe injury led to him becoming more impulsive and emotionally unstable, which is a significant change from his previously hardworking and amicable personality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the famous case of Phineas Gage and the changes in his personality following an accident that resulted in a frontal lobe injury. According to historical accounts, after the iron rod impaled through his prefrontal cortex, Phineas Gage experienced significant personality changes. The best answer to the question of how Phineas' personality changed after the injury to his left frontal lobe is: c) He became more impulsive and emotionally unstable.

Before the accident, Gage was known to be hardworking and amiable, but after the incident, he turned irritable and behaved inappropriately, indicative of a loss of impulse control, which is a function of the frontal lobe. Despite the drastic change, he was able to later cope with the trauma and lead a functional life as a stagecoach driver, showcasing the brain's remarkable capacity for recovery.