Visual laterality and the acuity gradient: potential artifacts and control procedures

Brain and Cognition
J B Hellige

Abstract

As visual stimuli are moved away from the fixation point toward either side, perceptibility falls off rapidly. This acuity gradient can influence visual half-field differences if the two sides (or ends) of a stimulus do not provide equal amounts of task-relevant information. In general, performance should be better in the visual field with the more informative side of the stimulus closer to the fixation point. Kirsner and Schwartz (1986, Brain and Cognition, 5, 354-361) discuss implications for experiments using words. The present article considers the assumptions involved in an explanation of visual half-field differences in terms of the visual acuity gradient and offers guidelines for the design of experiments using letters, faces (and other nonverbal stimuli), and words. Special attention is given to the interpretation of Visual Field X Task Variable interactions and to the use of words with letters arranged vertically. It is concluded that, with sufficient care in their design and interpretation, visual laterality experiments are an important converging operation for the study of cerebral hemisphere asymmetry.

References

Aug 1, 1977·Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance·J Day
Jul 1, 1986·Brain and Cognition·K Kirsner, S Schwartz
Jul 1, 1974·Journal of Experimental Psychology·A IsseroffI Nachshon
Mar 1, 1970·Journal of Experimental Psychology·L E Krueger
Jun 1, 1983·Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance·J LevyL A Burton
Feb 1, 1984·Journal of Experimental Psychology. Human Perception and Performance·J B HelligeJ E Jonsson
Apr 1, 1983·Brain and Cognition·J C BorodB White
Sep 1, 1983·Cortex; a Journal Devoted to the Study of the Nervous System and Behavior·C Tomlinson-KeaseyK Huffman
Jan 1, 1981·Neuropsychologia·W Heller, J Levy
Jan 1, 1980·Neuropsychologia·J C Borod, H S Caron

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Citations

Jul 31, 2003·Neuropsychologia·Timothy R Jordan, Geoffrey R Patching
Mar 1, 1988·Brain and Language·D Todorović
Apr 1, 1986·Brain and Cognition·J B Hellige, J Sergent
Jul 1, 1986·Brain and Cognition·S Schwartz, K Kirsner

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