Baseline asymmetries in brain electrical activity predict dichotic listening performance

Author(s): Hugdahl, K.

Journal/Book: Neuropsychology. 1996; 10: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 241-246.

Abstract: Forty-four right-handed participants were assessed on 2 occasions 6 weeks apart on electrophysiological measures of activation asymmetry derived from spectral estimates of electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power in homologous scalp electrodes. Approximately 4 months following the final EEG assessment, participants were administered a dichotic listening CV-syllables task. Overall, participants exhibited a highly significant right-ear advantage. Differences among individuals in ear asymmetry were predicted by the earlier recorded electrophysiological data. Participants with greater activation in left-sided posterior temporal and parietal regions showed a larger right-ear advantage. In addition, a larger right-ear advantage was predicted by right-sided prefrontal activation. These data indicate that some of the variance in dichotic listening performance can be explained by dispositional activation asymmetries and is associated with a complex pattern of posterior and anterior activation asymmetries.

Note: Article RJ Davidson, Univ Wisconsin, Dept Psychol, 1202 W Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706 USA

Keyword(s): AFFECTIVE STYLE; EEG ASYMMETRY; EMOTION; RELIABILITY; CONSISTENCY; CHILDREN; TASK

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