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Hemispheric Asymmetry and Bilateral Electrodermal Recordings: A Review of the Evidence
Author(s) -
Hugdahl Kenneth
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8986.1984.tb00215.x
Subject(s) - psychology , brain asymmetry , asymmetry , facilitation , laterality , lateralization of brain function , neuroscience , cognitive psychology , electroencephalography , audiology , medicine , physics , quantum mechanics
Bilateral electrodermal recordings are often used in psychophysiological research as a measure of functional hemispheric asymmetry. Although significant differences between left and right hand recordings are reported in the literature, the obtained differences are often in different directions. The purpose of the present paper was to review empirical evidence related to the issue of bilateral electrodermal recordings in research on hemispheric asymmetry. Special reference is made to the current controversy concerning contralateral inhibition vs. excitation or facilitation as the underlying mechanism for reported differences in performance of typical hemisphere‐specific tasks. After reviewing the evidence, which is contradictory concerning several of the more critical parameters, the conclusion is that bilateral electrodermal recordings have not been unambiguously related to hemispheric asymmetry. However, when asymmetry between the hands is clearly demonstrated, this reflects an asymmetry in the functioning of the cerebral hemispheres.