The relationship between lateral differences in tympanic membrane temperature and behavioral impulsivity.
In this study lateral differences in tympanic membrane temperature (T(Ty)) were explored as a correlate of either impulsive or cautious responding in Go-No-Go tasks. Thirty-two women and men performed two sustained attention to response tasks (Go-No-Go tasks). Those with warmer right in comparison to left tympanic membranes were more cautious, and those with warmer left in comparison to right tympanic membranes were more impulsive. This finding is in line with previous research and theory indicating a hemispheric bias for active and passive behavior. T(Ty) may be a useful addition to the techniques employed by neuropsychologists.
Helton
William S
WS
Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. wshelton@mtu.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000502:physiology*