Laterality indices consensus initiative (LICI) : A Delphi expert survey report on recommendations to record, assess, and report asymmetry in human behavioural and brain research

Vingerhoets, Guy and Verhelst, Helena and Gerrits, Robin and Badcock, Nicholas and Bishop, Dorothy and Carey, David and Flindall, Jason and Grimshaw, Gina and Harris, Lauren Julius and Hausmann, Markus and Hirnstein, Marco and Jaencke, Lutz and Joliot, Marc and Specht, Karsten and Westerhausen, Rene and Groen, Margriet (2023) Laterality indices consensus initiative (LICI) : A Delphi expert survey report on recommendations to record, assess, and report asymmetry in human behavioural and brain research. Laterality, 28 (2-3). pp. 122-191. ISSN 1357-650X

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Abstract

Laterality indices (LIs) quantify the left-right asymmetry of brain and behavioural variables and provide a measure that is statistically convenient and seemingly easy to interpret. Substantial variability in how structural and functional asymmetries are recorded, calculated, and reported, however, suggest little agreement on the conditions required for its valid assessment. The present study aimed for consensus on general aspects in this context of laterality research, and more specifically within a particular method or technique (i.e., dichotic listening, visual half-field technique, performance asymmetries, preference bias reports, electrophysiological recording, functional MRI, structural MRI, and functional transcranial Doppler sonography). Experts in laterality research were invited to participate in an online Delphi survey to evaluate consensus and stimulate discussion. In Round 0, 106 experts generated 453 statements on what they considered good practice in their field of expertise. Statements were organised into a 295-statement survey that the experts then were asked, in Round 1, to independently assess for importance and support, which further reduced the survey to 241 statements that were presented again to the experts in Round 2. Based on the Round 2 input, we present a set of critically reviewed key recommendations to record, assess, and report laterality research for various methods.