Hemispheric Asymmetry and Sex Differences in a Comparative Judgement Task

Abstract

Visual field differences and sex differences in a complex semantic processing task were examined. Two different print size Kana words which represented concrete objects were paired and displayed tachistoscopically to the left or the right visual field. Subjects decided if the relationship of the print size and real life size of the word pairs was appropriate or not by pressing a key. Results revealed that female subjects showed faster reaction times to the right visual field stimulation while males showed a tendency toward a left visual field superiority. Possible hemisphere difference in mechanisms between the sexes were discussed.