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Left Brain - Right Brain Differences

Inquiries, Evidence, and New Approaches

• By James F. Iaccino

• Price: $79.95
• Binding: Paperback
• Pages: 296
• Published by: Psychology Press
• Publication Date: 1st July 1993
• ISBN: 978-0-8058-1341-8

About the Book

This volume integrates past clinical findings with the latest research on cerebral asymmetry in order to identify why humans process information in different ways. A must for anyone who wants to understand human cognitive nature further, specifically the reasons why we are "wired" a certain way and whether these cortical circuits are flexible enough to be altered, this book presents the most up-to-date information on hemispheric differences within normal and clinical populations. Its focus on sex, handedness, and developmental differences is critical to the derivation of a better perspective on how future research should be conducted in this expanding science.

Iaccino begins by explaining basic brain structures and types of cognitive styles assigned to each hemisphere. He then details studies involving various clinical populations -- psychophysiological, split-brain, dyslexic, and psychotic -- to support the claim that the two hemispheres are different, morphologically and functionally speaking. Applying this clinical research to the more normal population, the author uncovers striking cortical variations between the sexes and between the handedness groups, along with developmental changes which occur as a function of time. Finally, he provides a detailed summary of the previous chapters and highlights where asymmetrical research may be headed in the future.

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface. Part I: Introduction to Cerebral Asymmetries. Are Brain Symmetries a Common Misconception? Are Cerebral Asymmetries Unique to the Human Species? Two Brains, Two Cognitive Styles? Part II: Clinical Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries. What Do Neuropsychological Disorders Reveal About Brain Asymmetries? Are Split-Brain Patients Truly Divided in Cognitive Functioning? Is There Convincing Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries in the Clinical Pathologies and Developmental Disabilities? Part III: Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries in Normal Subjects. How Are Asymmetries Studied in the Normal Brain? Are There Gender Differences in Brain Lateralization? Are There Handedness Differences in Brain Lateralization? Are There Developmental Differences in Brain Lateralization? Part IV: New Approaches to and Concluding Comments on Cerebral Asymmetries. What New Techniques Will Be Used in Studying Cerebral Asymmetries?