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Published on: November 16, 2017
Hemispheric functional asymmetries and sex effects in visual bistable perception
Alfredo Brancucci1, Sara Ferracci2, Anita D'Anselmo3
1Department of Motor, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Italy.
Male and female perception of ambiguous figures differs based on visual field presentation, reflecting hemispheric asymmetries in consciousness. This study highlights sex-based differences in visual processing and conscious perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Perception
Background:
- Bistable perception involves ambiguous stimuli that elicit alternating conscious percepts.
- Left-right hemispheric (LH-RH) asymmetries are well-documented in cognitive processing.
- Investigating sex differences in hemispheric processing offers insights into consciousness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate LH-RH asymmetries in consciousness using bistable perception.
- To examine how stimulus presentation side and participant sex influence perception.
- To explore sex-based differences in hemispheric processing of visual stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the divided visual field paradigm with Rubin's vase-faces stimuli.
- Presented stimuli to left (LVF) and right (RVF) visual hemifields (Experiment 1).
- Monitored 48 healthy subjects using eye-tracking technology.
Main Results:
- Males perceived faces more in LVF (RH processing) and vases more in RVF (LH processing).
- Females showed similar perception patterns across hemifields.
- Simultaneous perception of two different qualia occurred more frequently in males.
Conclusions:
- Percepts reflect the processing capabilities of the hemisphere receiving the stimulus.
- Sex differences in bistable perception mirror known hemispheric asymmetry differences.
- Bistable perception serves as a genuine manifestation of consciousness influenced by sex-specific hemispheric processing.
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