Running Head: HEMISPHERIC DOMINANCE
Hemispheric Dominance of the Brain
and Its Effect on Visual Acuity and Motor Response
Joe Wilson
Millsaps College
Abstract
Seven volunteers were studied to show the effects of split-brain state on visual acuity and motor response. The results indicated that the right eye is strongly dominant in relation to decision time when required to identify a visual image.
Hemispheric Dominance of the Brain
and Its Effect on Visual Acuity and Motor Response
Split-brain persons (persons with a damaged or severed corpus callosum) have little or no communication between the left and right hemispheres of their cerebrum. We were interested in split-brain state and its effects on the ability of people to function on a normal level. Saurwein and Lassonde performed intelligence tests in 1994 that showed that there is little or no cognitive impediment in split-brain persons. However, they go on to state that communication across the corpus callosum does affect bimanual motor coordination and some sensori-motor functions.
David Bowie & Band @ Area2 Festival
Soumonce
kesslerAlso in 1994, David showed a connection between damage to the corpus callosum and schizophrenia. In 1991, Kessler and associates examined a patient with total callosal agenesis and showed that this patient showed several sensori-cognitive impediments including the inability to associate olfactory stimuli with words. Also, in 1994, Gordon, Forssberg, and Iwasaki showed that a subject with corpus callosum agenesis had difficulty in transferring weight-related information between his right and left hands. We wished to further test the effects of split-brain state on sensory perception and sense-information transfer through a test of visual acuity.
Method
Participants
Seven volunteers from Millsaps College were included in this study.
Materials
A computer program was employed to conduct this study. The program consisted of a black screen with a white X in the center and a small box at the bottom of...