Investigating the Relationship of Handedness with Visual-spatial Ability and Cognitive Flexibility

Abstract

Introduction: In the present study, the relationship of handedness with visual-spatial ability and cognitive flexibility has been investigated.Method: A sample of 120 pre-university students, 60 boys and 60 girls, aged 17-18 was chosen through Wisconsin card sorting test, and Koh’s block design test.Results: Statistical analysis using two-way variance analysis method showed that visual-spatial abilities and cognitive flexibility have a significant relationship with handedness.Conclusions: The final interpretations of the variables of left-handedness in the non-clinical population, all agree on the high visual-spatial ability and the reduction of cognitive flexibility. This is strongly supported by one of the theories in the etiology of left-handedness which was proposed by Geshwind, Behan, and Galaburda.