Sex differences in lateralization of attention functions

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Adam Todd Zimmer (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
William Poynter

Abstract: Performance on two lateralized attention tasks, a unique, modified version of the Stroop task, and the Lateralized Attention Network Task, was investigated to add evidence to the topic of lateralized hemispheric strengths and weaknesses between the sexes. Sixty total participants at a mid-sized public university completed both tasks to obtain research credit for their classes. Results concluded that there were no significant differences between the sex of the participant and visual field in their efficiency in responding to the three metrics of the Lateralized Attention Network Task. Individual analysis of the six cue types showed some interactions between sex and visual field on response accuracy however, generally the results were not significant. Stroop task data analysis yielded no significant differences between sex and visual field in either Stroop effect or response accuracy. Overall, results were not consistent with our hypotheses. There was, however, a noticeable trend that males were likely to be more efficient at responding to the tasks when the stimuli were presented in the left visual field, as well as that women tended to perform more efficiently when the stimuli was presented in the right visual field. Although not a significant finding, the trend does add further evidence to the current belief that men respond better to items lateralized to the right hemisphere and that women respond better to items lateralized to the left hemisphere.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2010
Keywords
Attention, ANT, Lateralization, Sex, Stroop
Subjects
Attention -- Sex differences

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