Question: Compare the historical view on hemispheric specialization with the current perspective of hemispheric specialization. What type of research occurred to propel this change in perspective?


Historically, researchers claim that the left hemisphere was the dominant hemisphere where higher functions such as reasoning and problem solving took place while the right hemisphere was viewed to not have any special functions or capabilities. The current perspective claims that the left hemisphere is primarily associated with tasks involving verbal processing such as language, speech, reading and writing, and logic with mathematical operations while the right hemisphere is primarily associated with tasks involving nonverbal processing such as visualspacial tasks, facial recognition, musical tasks, and emotional perception. Research involving the effects of splitbrain surgery propelled this change in perspective.