Reliability and validity of the dichotic monitoring test for language laterality

Abstract The dichotic monitoring test, whereby subjects detect a target word presented to either ear, was used to assess laterality for language function. Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) using target hit rates and mean reaction times for left and right ears and handedness correctly classified 95% of a criterion sample of 37 patients who were assessed for language laterality using the unilateral intracarotid amobarbital test or a test of dysphasia following unilateral ECT. Test-retest reliability of the DFA classifications was measured for a separate group of 86 subjects. Of these, 80% were reliably classified, while 16% were classified bilateral on one test: only three cases switched from left to right or vice-versa. We conclude that DFA applied to measures of dichotic monitoring performance gives a valid non-invasive classification of hemisphere specialization for language functions and that the classifications are reliable on retest.

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