Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
05:36
Central and Divided Visual Field Presentation of Emotional Images to Measure Hemispheric Differences in Motivated Attention
Published on: November 16, 2017
Fast perceptual priming in the left and right hemispheres
Maria Stylianou Korsnes1, Svein Magnussen
1Department of Psychology, Stanford University, USA. m.s.korsnes@psykologi.uio.no
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|March 18, 2006
Summary
Fast perceptual priming for object decisions involves both brain hemispheres. This priming effect was stronger for possible objects than impossible ones, showing hemispheric differences in processing.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Visual Perception
- Hemispheric Specialization
Background:
- Perceptual priming influences object recognition speed and accuracy.
- Understanding hemispheric roles in processing possible vs. impossible objects is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate visual field differences in fast perceptual priming for object decisions.
- Examine the involvement of cerebral hemispheres in priming possible and impossible objects.
Main Methods:
- A go/no-go task was employed with 74 participants.
- Stimuli were presented in same-field and cross-field conditions.
- Reaction times and accuracy were measured for object decisions.
Main Results:
- Fast perceptual priming for object decisions engages both cerebral hemispheres.
- Priming effects were larger for possible objects than impossible objects.
- Priming occurred for both possible and impossible objects, affecting reaction times and accuracy.
- Left-hemisphere specific priming for impossible stimuli suggests an encoding advantage for impossible parts.
Conclusions:
- Fast perceptual priming of object decisions is a bilateral process.
- Hemispheric specialization may influence the processing of object feasibility.
- Findings support a structural description account of object perception.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Lateralization
Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.
01:05Cerebral Hemispheres
The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...
01:20Parallel Processing
The brain processes sensory information rapidly due to parallel processing, which involves sending data across multiple neural pathways at the same time. This method allows the brain to manage various sensory qualities, such as shapes, colors, movements, and locations, all concurrently. For instance, when observing a forest landscape, the brain simultaneously processes the movement of leaves, the shapes of trees, the depth between them, and the various shades of green. This enables a quick and...
01:22Lobes of the Cerebrum
The cerebral cortex, a critical structure of the brain, is intricately divided into two hemispheres, each consisting of four distinct lobes: occipital, temporal, frontal, and parietal. These lobes function cooperatively to regulate various cognitive and sensory functions, forming the basis of our complex neural capabilities.
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements.
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements.
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
01:10Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language
Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...