DIFFERENTIAL RECALL OF DIGITS IN LEFT AND RIGHT VISUAL HALF-FIELDS UNDER FREE AND FIXED ORDER OF RECALL

Visual half-field (VHF) differences were investigated in three experiments which employed simultaneous stimulation in a recall task. Experiments I and II presented simultaneous digit sequences to the right and left halves of the Visual Field, under free order of recall. Ss recalled more digits from the left VHF for both 3-pair and 4-pair trials, and under both monocular and binocular conditions. The left VHF superiority was postulated to be a function of directional scanning effects similar to those occurring under conditions of simultaneous tachistoscopic presentation. Experiment III presented 3 pairs of digits, with one digit in each pair at the point of fixation and the other three in either the left or right VHF. Ss were instructed to report the digits at fixation before recalling those presented to the VHF. This modification resulted in superior recall for those delayed half-spans presented to the right VHF. This striking and consistent right VHF superiority was postulated to be a reflection of the more direct connections between the right VHF and the language areas of the left hemisphere. © 1969.