Asymmetry of selection of mental representations in performing sensorimotor tasks with right and left hand

The article discusses the role of hemispheric asymmetry in the performing of simple sensorimotor tasks: a sequence of movements on a touch screen with the left or right hand. It was assumed that this task can be solved using vector or positioning system of representations, which in varying degrees are active in the work of the left and right hemispheres, and as a result, of the left and right hands. We analyzed the accuracy and direction of errors depending on the instruction (exact playback of sequence or simplified playback of sequence) and the type of stimulus material (sequence of rectilinear movements or sequence of curvilinear movements) during a sequential execution of the task with the left and the right hand. Playback of sequence with the right hand appeared to be more effective only in the situation of rectilinear movements. In addition, the negative transfer was detected in the sequential performing of tasks first with the right hand, then with the left hand, and positive transfer was discovered in the situation of the reverse order of performing of tasks. At the same time in the situation of performing task with the right hand subjects were more likely to make errors associated with distortion of the sequence of movements towards a simplified (rectilinear) representation. The data obtained are discussed in terms of hemispheric asymmetry and the related differences in the systems of representations.

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