http://cogprints.org/3790/
Right hemispheric self-awareness: A critical assessment
In this commentaryI evaluate the claim made byKeenan, Nelson, OConnor, and
Pascual-Leone (2001) that since self-recognition results from right hemispheric activity,
self-awareness too is likely to be produced by the activity of the same hemisphere.
This reasoning is based on the assumption that self-recognition represents a
valid operationalization of self-awareness; I present two views that challenge this
rationale. Keenan et al. also support their claim with published evidence relating
brain activityand self-awareness; I closely examine their analysis of one specific
review of literature and conclude that it appears to be biased. Finally, recent research
suggests that inner speech (which is associated with left hemispheric activity) is
linked to self-awareness—an observation that further casts doubt on the existence of
a right hemispheric self-awareness.
Morin, Alain
Neuropsychology
Brain Imaging
Comparative Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Evolutionary Psychology
Neuroanatomy
Alain
Morin