Influence of association value in recognition of random shapes under dichhaptic presentation

A tactile version of the Vanderplas and Garvin random shapes was given to 80 right-handed subjects, ranging in age from 6 to 13 years. Complexity was constant across the patterns: half of them were chosen from the High Association Group while the remaining patterns were selected from the Low-Association Group. Stimuli were dichhaptically presented, each pair being composed of a High Association and Low Association stimulus. The subject's response was given on each trial by pointing to the corresponding shapes froma visual display presented following the removal of the test stimuli. Analysis of the data showed that age of subjects, hemisphere (R.H. better than L.H.) and Association Value (High Association better than Low Association) were significant factors in recognition. Sex was not significant as well as none of the the interactions. Results were discussed in terms of hemispheric specialisation.