Cerebral lateralization of haptic perception: interaction of responses to Braille and music reveals a functional basis

Science. 1977 Aug 12;197(4304):689-90. doi: 10.1126/science.877586.

Abstract

Normally, haptic perception of the left hand surpasses that of the right. But simultaneously playing music into the left (but not the right) ear reverses this superiority. This suggests that the left cerebral hemisphere has full haptic perceptual capability, which is subject to right hemisphere interference unless the latter's attentional mechanisms are engaged by contralateral peripheral stimulation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Auditory Perception / physiology*
  • Brain / physiology
  • Discrimination, Psychological
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Music
  • Sex Factors
  • Touch / physiology*