Concept formation, problem-solving and the right hemisphere

Abstract

The pioneering work of Sperry in the 1960s presented a challenge to the traditional view that the right hemisphere is functionally limited to the processing of nonlinguistic, visual-spatial information on a perceptual level. Yet, the recent position of Gazzaniga (1983) is in support of the traditional view. This investigation tested further the hypothesis of right hemisphere concept formation and problem-solving. Right hemispherically strong children were compared with normal controls in terms of linguistic and nonlinguistic information processing. The results were in support of the right hemisphere as capable of cognitive processes beyond the level of simple nonverbal perceptual tasks.

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Notes on contributors

Walter H. Reeves

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.