ABSTRACT
Comparatively recent research has shown conclusively that the neocortex, which is composed of two cerebral hemispheres, is diversified in the way it processes information; left and right sides of the neocortex have contrasting attitudes to sensory stimuli, hence the attitudinal model. Roger Sperry, a surgeon from the United States, discovered that each half comprises a semiautonomous system, capable of 'independent sensation, perception, learning and memory processes' (Sault, 1972). In attempting to relieve epilepsy, Sperry cut the dense fibres connecting the two hemispheres (corpus callosum). After the operation, patients were able to lead a normal life, and abnormalities only came to light under experimental conditions. By covering each eye in turn, Sperry discovered the skills of the brain hemisphere opposite to the active eye. Eye to brain connections cross over.
