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Visual field preferences in chimpanzees were investigated
using a modification of the free-vision task developed by Levy et.
al (1983). Chimpanzee subjects previously trained on a computer
joystick match-to-sample paradigm were tested first on their ability
to distinguish between neutral face chimeras consisting entirely
of the left side of the face or the right side of the face. Four
of the seven chimps were able to distinguish LL and RR chimeras.
Data were then recorded on their choice of the LL (left-left) or
RR (right-right) chimera as a match to the true, neutral image.
Preliminary data suggest that chimpanzees, unlike humans, may not
exhibit a left visual field preference. This study is ongoing, and
further testing of expressive faces may support alternative hypotheses
related to visual field preferences and brain laterality.
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