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Central and Divided Visual Field Presentation of Emotional Images to Measure Hemispheric Differences in Motivated Attention
Published on: November 16, 2017
Hemispheric organization of visual memories.
G Gratton1, P M Corballis, S Jain
1Columbia University.
Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Visual memories show a contralateral organization, meaning memories of images seen on one side of vision are best recalled from the same side. This suggests specialized brain hemisphere processing for visual memory traces.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Understanding the brain's organization of visual memory is crucial for cognitive science.
- Previous research suggests hemispheric specialization in various cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hemispheric organization of visual memories.
- To examine how the brain processes and stores visual information presented laterally.
Main Methods:
- Five experiments were conducted using line patterns flashed laterally during study and recognition phases.
- Recognition accuracy and event-related potentials (ERPs) were measured.
- Stimulus presentation occurred in the same or opposite visual hemifields.
Main Results:
- A recognition advantage was observed for patterns studied and tested in the same visual hemifield.
- Central presentation during recognition elicited ERPs more negative over the contralateral hemisphere relative to the study side.
- Subjects could not reliably report the side of initial stimulus presentation.
Conclusions:
- Visual memory traces of laterally presented stimuli appear more accessible in the contralateral hemisphere.
- These findings support a contralateral organization model for visual memories.
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