Task‐Related EEG Asymmetry: Effects of Age and Ability

EEG was recorded over parietal sites in 16 adult males while they were engaged in verbal and spatial tasks. A portion of the Modified Minnesota Paper Form Board Test was administered to obtain a measure of spatial ability. Computer analysis of 1 min of EEG during each task revealed relatively reduced amplitude of EEG alpha frequency (7–13 Hz) from the left hemisphere during the verbal task, while the opposite pattern held during the spatial task, with right hemisphere alpha reduced compared to the left hemisphere alpha. No task‐related asymmetry was seen for the whole‐band EEG. No relationship was found between spatial test scores and degree of task‐related asymmetry, but degree of asymmetry increased with increasing age.