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Laterality Effects In Twins

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2014

T.A. Meshkova*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychology, Russian Academy of Education, Moscow, Russia
*
Institute of Psychology, Russian Academy of Education, Mokhovaya 9, “V”, Moscow 103009, Russia

Abstract

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The laterality effects in 10 symmetrical EEG derivations in twins (20 MZ and 20 DZ pairs with a mean age of 20.5 years) were examined. The quantitative and qualitative analyses gave the following results: (1) cotwins in the MZ and DZ pairs differed particularly in the intensity of asymmetry for EEG parameters — one was more asymmetrical than the other; (2) among the MZ twins there were no “mirror” pairs (opposite asymmetry of the EEG), even where opposite-handedness existed. For example, a right-handed twin had an asymmetrical EEG, while the other, a left-hander, had a symmetrical one; (3) the most asymmetrical EEG was in the temporal derivations showing a more active left hemisphere; and, (4) there was no evidence of genetic influence in the intensity of EEG asymmetry.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The International Society for Twin Studies 1992

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