Cerebral lateralization of spatial abilities: A meta-analysis

    Authors

    J. J. Vogel; C. A. Bowers;D. S. Vogel

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Brain Cogn.

    Keywords

    MENTAL ROTATION; HEMISPHERIC-ASYMMETRY; SEX-DIFFERENCES; BLOOD-FLOW; INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES; FAMILIAL SINISTRALITY; VISUOSPATIAL TASKS; EYE-MOVEMENTS; CORTICAL ACTIVITY; COGNITIVE TASK; Neurosciences; Psychology, Experimental

    Abstract

    There is a substantial disagreement in the existing literature regarding which hemisphere of the brain controls spatial abilities. In an attempt to resolve this dispute, we conducted a meta-analysis to decipher which hemisphere truly dominates and under what circumstances. It was found that across people and situations, the right hemisphere is the more dominant for spatial processing. However, consideration of specific moderator variables yielded a more complex picture. For example, females showed no hemisphere preference while males showed a right hemisphere advantage. Also, no hemisphere preference was indicated for spatial visualization tasks while subjects performing spatial orientation and manual manipulation tasks displayed a predictable right hemisphere preference. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for exiting theoretical positions as well as future empirical research. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

    Journal Title

    Brain and Cognition

    Volume

    52

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2003

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    197

    Last Page

    204

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000183902800008

    ISSN

    0278-2626

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