Asymmetry in hemispheric strategies for visual recognition of homonyms

Abstract

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this investigation was to explore the strategic asymmetry exhibited by the two hemispheres during semantic processing, specifically focusing on the visual recognition of homonyms. By utilizing balanced and unbalanced homonyms, we sought to ascertain whether foveal processing adheres to a specific hemisphere's strategy. In Experiment 1, we employed a visual half-field presentation paradigm to elucidate the unihemispheric strategy employed for homonym recognition. Notably, our results revealed a significant type effect, whereby responses were more accurate for unbalanced homonyms compared to balanced homonyms, particularly in the LVF/RH. This outcome suggests that the RH exhibits a stronger activation of the dominant meaning, primarily driven by frequency, while the LH concurrently activates all candidate meanings of homonyms with comparable intensity. Building upon these insights, Experiment 2 involved the presentation of both homonym types within the foveal vision, leading to the identification of a significant type effect and providing evidence for the robust utilization of the RH strategy during foveal homonym recognition. Collectively, these findings delineate an asymmetric strategy employed during semantic processing across the hemispheres, with the RH assuming a dominant role in the semantic processing of foveal words.