pseudoneglect

Pseudoneglect is a phenomenon observed in some individuals where they exhibit a bias towards attending to the right side of space. This bias is typically measured using tasks that require participants to bisect a line. In a standard line bisection task, individuals with pseudoneglect will consistently place the midpoint of the line slightly to the right of the actual center, indicating a relative underestimation of the left side and an overestimation of the right side.

This phenomenon is distinct from hemispatial neglect, which is a more severe deficit usually resulting from brain damage, typically in the right parietal lobe, leading to a profound inability to attend to the left side of space. Pseudoneglect, on the other hand, is a milder, often subclinical bias seen in healthy individuals. It is thought to reflect an inherent asymmetry in how the brain processes spatial information.

The exact neural mechanisms underlying pseudoneglect are still under investigation, but theories suggest it may involve differences in the way the left and right hemispheres process spatial information or variations in attentional networks. While most healthy individuals show a slight rightward bias (pseudoneglect), a smaller percentage show a leftward bias, referred to as "pseudopreference." The prevalence and characteristics of pseudoneglect can be influenced by factors such as age and handedness. Research into pseudoneglect helps to understand the neural basis of spatial attention and perception.