Dual functional asymmetry of the brain in visual perception

Abstract

Verbal and nonverbal stimuli were presented to normal subjects by means of a tachistoscope. The method employed was that of successive random presentation to either the left or the right visual half-field. Letters were more accurately identified in the right visual field, as previously established, but the enumeration of certain nonalphabetical stimuli was more accurate when they appeared in the left field. It was concluded that the left posterior part of the brain plays an important role in the identification of verbal-conceptual forms, while the corresponding area on the right has other functions in the registration of nonverbal stimuli. © 1966.