Speed of work and EEG asymmetry

EEG from O1 and O2 was recorded from twelve subjects (6 male and 6 female) whilst they carried out a paced inspection task at five separate task speeds. Peak alpha activity was analysed using a spectral analysis technique. The results suggested that when subjects were working at a speed 25% faster than their self-chosen pace they were using predominantly their right hemisphere, whereas then they were working at 25% slower they were using mainly their left hemisphere. It was suggested, based on earlier literature, that subjects may be processing information about the task in different ways at different task paces: A sequential processing strategy is being used at the slow pace whilst a parallel or Gestalt processing strategy is being used at the fast pace.