Brain Laterality answers one of the major questions we ask ourselves every day: where? The book provides a thematic, comprehensive overview of the brain mechanisms that influence whether we go to the left or right, on which side we stand, and which hand we use. Covering a broad range of topics, including handedness, apraxia, and motor control, alongside theories of emotion, creativity, and genetics, the book condenses a vast amount of research from multiple fields into a concise and entertaining read. Featuring anecdotes from the author's own illustrious research and clinical career, this book is a must-read for psychology students, neuropsychologists, neurologists, and anyone interested in the brain's role in handedness, directional movement, intention, action, and posturing. Brain Laterality answers one of the major questions we ask ourselves every day: where? The book provides a thematic, comprehensive overview of the brain mechanisms that influence whether we go to the left or right, on which side we stand, and which hand Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Table of Contents 6 Introduction 8 1 Right and Left 11 Knowing Left From Right 11 What Is Handedness? 12 Crossed Control 13 Hemispheric Laterality of Language and Hand Preference 17 Precision of Movements 21 Spatial-Temporal Programing of Skilled Purposeful Movements 22 Motor Learning 26 Alternative Actions 28 Right-Hander’s Use of Their Left Hand 29 Proximal Versus Distal 32 Handedness and Allocation of Spatial Attention 34 Genetics of Handedness 39 Direction of Writing 39 Emotional Communication 42 Moods 46 Politics: Left and Right 50 Direction of Action 52 2 UP 56 Introduction 56 Hibernation 59 Neurotransmitters 60 Default Network 61 3 Approach–Stay–Leave 73 Introduction 73 Reward 74 Anticipatory Activities 77 Emotional Actions 79 Valence 80 Arousal 82 Motor Activation 86 Introversion–Extraversion 91 Conclusion 92 References 94 Index 101 __Brain Laterality__ answers one of the major questions we ask ourselves every day: where? The book provides a thematic, comprehensive overview of the brain mechanisms that influence whether we go to the left or right, on which side we stand, and which hand we use. Featuring anecdotes from the author's own illustrious research and clinical career, this book is a must-read for psychology students, neuropsychologists, neurologists, and anyone interested in the brain's role in handedness, directional movement, intention, action, and posturing.
