How split-brains recognise themselves
The study of how self-awareness relates to the structures and functions of the brain has taken many approaches. Studies have identified contributions from the parietal lobes in self-other distinction and body space, while other structures such as the left frontal lobe is implicated in inner speech. In a new study on a split-brain patient Uddin […]
The study of how self-awareness relates to the structures and functions of the brain has taken many approaches. Studies have identified contributions from the parietal lobes in self-other distinction and body space, while other structures such as the left frontal lobe is implicated in inner speech.
In a new study on a split-brain patient Uddin et al. demonstrate how the two hemispheres make different contributions to self-awareness.
Split-brain reveals separate but equal self-recognition in the two cerebral hemispheres
Lucina Q. Uddin et al. in Consciousness & Cognition 14 (2005)
Abstract
To assess the ability of the disconnected cerebral hemispheres to recognize images of the self, a splitbrain patient (an individual who underwent complete cerebral commissurotomy to relieve intractable epilepsy) was tested using morphed self-face images presented to one visual hemifield (projecting to one hemisphere) at a time while making ‘‘self/other’’ judgments. The performance of the right and left hemispheres of this patient as assessed by a signal detection method was not significantly different, though a measure of bias did reveal hemispheric differences. The right and left hemispheres of this patient independently and equally possessed the ability to self-recognize, but only the right hemisphere could successfully recognize familiar others. This supports a modular concept of self-recognition and other-recognition, separately present in each cerebral hemisphere.
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