Left Brain-Right Brain Differences: Inquiries, Evidence, and New Approaches

This volume integrates past clinical findings with the latest research on cerebral asymmetry in order to identify why humans process information in different ways. A must for anyone who wants to understand human cognitive nature further, specifically the reasons why we are "wired" a certain way and whether these cortical circuits are flexible enough to be altered, this book presents the most up-to-date information on hemispheric differences within normal and clinical populations. Its focus on sex, handedness, and developmental differences is critical to the derivation of a better perspective on how future research should be conducted in this expanding science. Iaccino begins by explaining basic brain structures and types of cognitive styles assigned to each hemisphere. He then details studies involving various clinical populations -- psychophysiological, split-brain, dyslexic, and psychotic -- to support the claim that the two hemispheres are different, morphologically and functionally speaking. Applying this clinical research to the more normal population, the author uncovers striking cortical variations between the sexes and between the handedness groups, along with developmental changes which occur as a function of time. Finally, he provides a detailed summary of the previous chapters and highlights where asymmetrical research may be headed in the future.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Part 1 Introduction to Cerebral Asymmetries; Chapter 1 Are Brain Symmetries A Common Misconception?; Chapter 2 Are Cerebral Asymmetries Unique to the Human Species?; Chapter 3 Two Brains, Two Cognitive Styles?; Part 2 Clinical Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries; Chapter 4 What Do Neuropsychological Disorders Reveal About Brain Asymmetries?; Chapter 5 Are Split-Brain Patients Truly Divided in Cognitive Functioning?; Chapter 6 Is There Convincing Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries in the Clinical Pathologies and Developmental Disabilities?; Part 3 Evidence for Cerebral Asymmetries in Normal Subjects; Chapter 7 How Are Asymmetries Studied in the Normal Brain?; Chapter 8 Are There Gender Differences in Brain Lateralization?; Chapter 9 Are There Handedness Differences in Brain Lateralization?; Chapter 10 Are There Developmental Differences in Brain Lateralization?; Part 4 New Approaches to and Concluding Comments on Cerebral Asymmetries; Chapter 11 What New Techniques Will Be Used in Studying Cerebral Asymmetries?;

About the Author :
James F. Iaccino

Review :
"...a coherent framework for studying cerebral asymmetry for experimental, clinical, or personal purposes, as well as the latest findings on brain lateralization and new asymmetric models..." —Behavioral Science "The writing is...crisp, concise, and appropriate for an audience of advanced undergraduate or early graduate students in psychology....this is an accessible book that would be a valuable supplemental or reference text....particularly recommended for its organization and clarity....a valuable compendium of research related to functional brain asymmetry." —Contemporary Psychology "Excepting MRI data, this book contains just about every reference relevant for understanding hemispheric differences up throught the late eighties. It covers visual, auditory, and tactile asymmetries as seen under a wide variety of experimental protocols." —Philosophical Psychology "...I found Left Brain-Right Brain Differences to be a well researched, well-written, and concise overview of the field of cerbral asymmetry. This book would be useful (with the caveats noted above) at either the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level, in particular as an adjunct text for courses on human neuropsychology or cerbral asymmetries." —Applied Cognitive Psychology "...well written and contains a useful summary of the work on cerebral lateralization. It is up to date, and has captured some of the newest trends in neural imaging and handedness, as well as the continuing flow of information on hemispheric differences and their implication for cognitive style and function." —Stanley Coren University of British Columbia "This has been one of my most rewarding learning experiences. Dr. Iaccino has accomplished an impressive job in compiling approximately 1000 references and clearly elucidating and explaining them. The book is a substantial contribution to psychology in general, and our appreciation of the human nervous system's operations in particular." —M. Allan Cooperstein, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist, Clinical Speciality; Board Certified Forensic Examiner