creators_name: Morin, Alain
type: journalp
datestamp: 2004-09-03
lastmod: 2011-03-11 08:55:40
metadata_visibility: show
title: Right hemispheric self-awareness: A critical assessment
ispublished: pub
subjects: neuro-psy
subjects: brain-img
subjects: comp-psy
subjects: cog-psy
subjects: evol-psy
subjects: neuro-anat
full_text_status: public
keywords: Self-awareness, self-recognition, neuroanatomy, split-brain, inner speech, right hemisphere
abstract: 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.
date: 2002
date_type: published
publication: Consciousness and Cognition
volume: 11
number: 3
pagerange: 396-401
refereed: TRUE
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citation:   Morin, Alain  (2002) Right hemispheric self-awareness: A critical assessment.  [Journal (Paginated)]     
document_url: http://cogprints.org/3790/1/RHSA.pdf