Specializations of the RIGHT Hemisphere

Question 1

Global pattern-recognition vs. local (detailed) analysis

Answer 1

• i.e. “Gets the gist” vs. keeps particular details straight
  - e.g. Magnocellular (low spatial frequency) visual pathway dominates over Parvocellular (high spatial frequency)
• Split-brain patients can complete picture puzzle better with left hand
• Right hemisphere plays dominant role in organizing narrative - selecting and assembling elements

Question 2

Damage (esp in Parietal Lobe) results in…

Spatial abilities

Answer 2

=> Deficits in map reading, and in generation/use of own “cognitive map” (resort to landmarks to get around)

=> Deficits in perceiving or discussing spatial relations (over/under, left of/right of)

=> Some indication that mathematics (geometry, but also other types) impacted

Question 3

Damage (esp in Frontal Lobe) results in…

Socio-Emotional expression and perception.

Answer 3

=> Reduced emotional expression both in face and in speech (i.e. speak in monotone, little inflection)

=> Reduced ability to recognize, correctly categorize emotional expression/speech in others
- Includes failure to recognize sarcasm, humor (probably also related to global/gist processing)

Question 4

Music (esp Melodic) perception and appreciation

Answer 4

• Probably related to global pattern-recognition abilities, organization, and interpreting affective tonal qualities

Question 5

IMPORTANT to recognize that in normal people

Answer 5

both hemispheres participate in, contribute to all of above

Question 6

women and gays less lateralized =

Answer 6

more connections = if damage, then one side will more easily be able to take over