Task-specific conjugate lateral eye movements

Conjugate lateral eye movements induced by task-specific reflective thought were examined in 10 dextral men. Verbal and spatial stimuli designed to activate reflective thought in the left (verbal) and right (spatial) cerebral hemispheres of the brain were presented tachistoscopically in a darkened environment. Eye movements during reflective thought were monitored and scored using an infrared eye-tracking device. Reflective thought induced by the spatial task produced significantly more leftward conjugate lateral eye movement. The verbal task tended to produce more rightward and upward movements. The results are viewed as consistent with a task-specific brain-hemispheric activation model of contralateral conjugate eye movements during reflective thought.