Roslyn Holly Fitch (1995) From Behavior to Hormones to Axons, a big Leap. Psycoloquy: 6(43) Sex Brain (9)
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Psycoloquy 6(43): From Behavior to Hormones to Axons, a big Leap
FROM BEHAVIOR TO HORMONES TO AXONS, A BIG LEAP
Reply to Fidelman on Sex-Brain
Roslyn Holly Fitch
Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience
Rutgers University
197 University Ave.
Newark, NJ 07102
Victor H. Denenberg
Biobehavioral Sciences Graduate Degree Program
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-4154
holly@axon.rutgers.edu
dberg@uconnvm.uconn.edu
Abstract
Fidelman (1995) proposes that developmental gender
differences in performance on specific behavioral tasks may reflect
developmental hormone effects on callosal connectivity patterns. We
question whether the data presented support this leap.
Keywords
corpus callosum, development, estrogen, feminization,
ovaries, sensitive period.
1. We admit to some difficulty making the connection between Fidelman's
commentary (Fidelman, 1995) and our target article (Fitch & Denenberg,
1995). We also express some reservations about the methodology
employed by Fidelman. First, the assumption that specific behavioral
tests can provide discrete assessment of "right hemisphere" and "left
hemisphere" functions rests wholly on the validity of strictly
delineated roles for the two hemispheres, particularly since dichotic
auditory or tachistiscopic visual presentation of stimuli was not
employed. Yet considerable controversy surrounds this area, and
universal agreement on discrete hemispheric functional specialization
has by no means been reached. We also express some reservation about
treating multiple scores from each subject as independent observations,
as required for use of the binomial test. Finally, we feel it necessary
to reaffirm that speculations about callosal development and patterns
of axonal projection drawn from behavioral tests must be regarded as
highly speculative.
2. None of this criticism is directed at Fidelman's Piagetian research
as such, an area where we claim no expertise. However, we do feel
compelled to question the link between Fidelman's assertions and those
put forth regarding the role of ovarian hormones in the feminization
process (Fitch & Denenberg, 1995).
REFERENCES
Fidelman, U. (1995) Cerebral Hemispheres, Sex and Piaget Stages.
PSYCOLOQUY 6(31) sex-brain.6.fidelman.
Fitch, R.H. & Denenberg, V. (1995) A Role For Ovarian Hormones In
Sexual Differentiation of the Brain. PSYCOLOQUY 6(5)
sex-brain.1.fitch.
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