6 Questions
What is the primary characteristic of laterality?
The preference for using one side of the body over the other
Which of the following types of laterality is related to the preference for using one eye over the other?
Eyedness
What is the term for the tendency of certain cognitive functions to be localized to one side of the brain?
Lateralization
What is crossed laterality an example of?
The phenomenon where an individual's handedness, footedness, etc. do not match their hemispheric dominance
What is one of the genetic influences on the development of laterality?
Certain genes contributing to the development of handedness and other lateral preferences
What is an example of an environmental influence on the development of laterality?
Cultural and social influences
Study Notes
Laterality
Definition
Laterality refers to the preference for using one side of the body over the other, resulting in differences in cognitive and motor abilities between the left and right sides.
Types of Laterality
- Handedness: The preference for using one hand over the other for tasks such as writing, throwing, and using utensils.
- Footedness: The preference for using one foot over the other for tasks such as kicking a ball.
- Eyedness: The preference for using one eye over the other for tasks such as shooting or aiming.
- Earedness: The preference for using one ear over the other for tasks such as listening or hearing.
Characteristics of Laterality
- Lateralization: The tendency for certain cognitive functions to be localized to one side of the brain, such as language processing in the left hemisphere.
- Hemispheric dominance: The dominance of one hemisphere of the brain over the other in terms of cognitive and motor abilities.
- Crossed laterality: The phenomenon where an individual's handedness, footedness, etc. do not match their hemispheric dominance.
Development of Laterality
- Genetic influences: Research suggests that laterality is influenced by genetics, with certain genes contributing to the development of handedness and other lateral preferences.
- Environmental influences: Environmental factors, such as cultural and social influences, can also shape an individual's laterality.
Importance of Laterality
- Neurological organization: Understanding laterality can provide insights into the organization and function of the brain.
- Cognitive and motor abilities: Laterality is related to cognitive and motor abilities, such as language processing, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills.
- Clinical implications: Laterality can be an important factor in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and developmental disorders.
Learn about the concept of laterality, its types, characteristics, development, and importance in understanding cognitive and motor abilities. Discover how laterality is related to brain organization and function, and its implications for neurological and developmental disorders.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
