On the different roles of the cerebral hemispheres in mental imagery: The “o'Clock Test” in two clinical cases

doi:10.1016/0278-2626(89)90072-9

Brain and Cognition

Volume 10, Issue 1, May 1989, Pages 18-27

https://doi.org/10.1016/0278-2626(89)90072-9 Get rights and content

Abstract

This paper develops the hypothesis of different roles of the two hemispheres in imaginal processes. A test designated the “o'Clock Test” is proposed, which contains closely confrontable perceptual and imaginal tasks. It enables examination of the abilities both to generate mental images and to explore them in their right and left halves (R + L Condition). This test was used to examine two patients, one severely affected by hemi-inattention resulting from a right posterior lesion, and the other with a selective deficit of imagery due to a left occipital lesion. The former demonstrated left neglect in both perceptive and imaginal capacities, while the latter was able to perform correctly only the perceptive tasks. These results suggest that the right hemisphere has functions of organization and spatial exploration at both perceptive and imaginal levels, and that the left hemisphere's role is to generate mental images.

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Citation Excerpt :
The task consists in the setting of the midpoint of horizontally presented segments of different lengths (Bisiach et al., 1976, 1983; Heilman and Valenstein, 1979; Schenkenberg et al., 1980). Drawing by copy (Gainotti et al., 1972), and from memory (Bisiach et al., 1981; Grossi et al., 1989). Currently, touch-screen devices are also used (e.g., Rabuffetti et al., 2002).
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Mental imagery can be defined as a quasi-perceptual experience occurring in the absence of perceptual input. The present article provides a review of the key processes involved in mental imagery, the relationship of imagery to working memory, and of the debate on the underlying format of mental images. We also review the functional significance of imagery in a range of cognitive processes, such as memory, creative thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. Finally, the brain basis of mental imagery and its overlap with the cortical regions involved in visual perception are discussed.
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On the different roles of the cerebral hemispheres in mental imagery: The “o'Clock Test” in two clinical cases

Abstract

Neuropsychologia

Cortex

Cortex

Brain and Cognition

Cognition

Neuropsychologia

Neuropsychologia

Brain and Cognition