Hemispheric asymmetry in the processing of tactual-spatial material of low verbal codability in normal subjects.
Two experiments were carried out using a modified Tactual Performance Test (TPT) to investigate patterns of tactual-spatial performance and memory in normal individuals. Right-handed mates were tested using either a right-left-both hands or left-right-both hands order. The left-hand-first group had better tactual-spatial memory than the right-hand-first group. In a second experiment, right-handed males performed the TPT with either the left hand or the right hand on all trials while simultaneously palpating a non-task-related nonsense figure with the opposite hand. The left-hand group had better time scores and memory for TPT figures than did the right hand group. The findings, consistent with previous studies, indicate a saliency of the right hemisphere in tactual-spatial performance and memory and suggest that dichhaptic stimulation may be the preferred method for revealing hemispheric asymmetries in tactual-spatial functioning.
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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Jenkins
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Parsons