Electrodermal Palmar Asymmetry and Nostril Dominance

Abstract

The present work tested the usefulness of combined bilateral palmar skin potential and nostril dominance measures as indices of relative hemispheric activation. These measures are easy to obtain and, when used in tandem, may provide inexpensive and quick indices of relative hemispheric activation for the researcher interested in laterality, but with limited resources. Bilateral electrodermal palmar measurements were made and synchronous nostril dominance was recorded for one experienced subject (the author). A total of 760 individual skin-resistance measures were taken for a period of 26 days from 7 a.m. to midnight. Higher right-hand conductance measures were recorded than the left-hand measures. Electrodermal palmar asymmetry was confirmed during the right-nostril condition, whereas more symmetrical palmar recordings were obtained during the left-nostril condition.