Abstract
A simplified technique is described for obtaining lateralization of visual input with prolonged viewing. This technique is based on the presence of constant normal lateral limits for horizontal rotation of the eyes with reference to the head. With head movement prevented by use of a standard bite bar, and the eyes rotated to the left and held at their lateral limit, the temporal half of the visual field of the left eye may be used for lateralized input to the right hemisphere or vice versa for input to the left hemisphere. Any form of visual stimuli or visually monitored task can be used if confined within one of the extreme temporal hemifields. In comparison to previous methods, this technique is technically simple, inexpensive, without significant risk or discomfort to the subject, readily applicable to normal and various brain-lesioned subjects, and permits prolonged in-depth viewing. An alternative version of this technique uses a stabilized spectacle frame fitted with adjustable central occluders set to allow vision through only one or both of the extreme temporal hemifields.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Butler, S. R., &Noebsell, U. Vocalization possibly initiated by the minor hemisphere.Nature, 1968,220, 793–794.
Dimond, S. J. Bubbs, J., Farrington, L. J., &Bhouwers, E. Y. M. The use of contact lenses for the lateralization of visual input in man.Acta Psychologka, 1975,39, 341–349.
Duke-Elder, S., &Wybar, K. Ocular motility and strabismus. In S. Duke-Elder (Ed.),System of opthalmology (Vol. 6). St. Louis: C. V. Mosby, 1973.
Gazzanioa, M. S., &Speeey, R. W. Language after section of the cerebral commissures.Brain, 1967,90, 131–148.
Sperry, R. W., &Gazzanioa, M. S. Language following surgical disconnection of the hemispheres. In F. L. Darley (Ed.),Brain mechanisms underlying speech and language. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1967.
Sperry, R. W., Gazzanioa, M. S., &Bogen, J. E. Interhemispheric relationships: The neocortica! commissures; syndromes of hemisphere disconnection. In P. J. Vinken & G. W. Bruyn (Eds.),Handbook of clinical neurology. Amsterdam: North-Holland, 1969.
Sperry, R. W., &Myers, J. J. A simplified technique for lateralizing visual input.Caltech Biology Annual Report, 1981, 151–152. (Abstract)
Trevarthen, C., &Spieey, R. W. Perceptual unity of the ambient visual field in human commissurotomy patients.Brain, 1973,96, 547–570.
Zaidel, E. A technique for presenting lateralized visual input with prolonged exposure.Vision Research, 1975,15, 283–289.
Zaidel, E. Auditory vocabulary of the right hemisphere following brain bisection or hemidecortication.Cortex, 1976,12, 191–211.
Zaidel, E. Lexical organization in the right hemisphere. In P. Buser & A. Rougeul-Buser (Eds.),Cerebral correlates of conscious experience. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1978.
Zaidel, E., &Pbazeb, R. E. A universal half-field occluder for laterality research.Caltech Biology Annual Report, 1977, 137–138. (Abstract)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was supported by U.S. Public Health Service Grant MH 3372 from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Research Service Award 5 T32 CM07737 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the PEW Memorial Trust, and the F, P. Hixon Fund.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Myers, J.J., Sperry, R.W. A simple technique for lateralizing visual input that allows prolonged viewing. Behavior Research Methods & Instrumentation 14, 305–308 (1982). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03203220
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03203220