Claims that left-handers do think differently
We all know that there is much more to being left-handed than just writing, and a fascinating new study published today suggests that we left-handers actually do think differently. The author of the study Daniel Casasanto, goes so far as to suggest that handedness may influence our decisions on everything we do, from the cereal we buy to whom we vote for.
Using a series of studies, Casasanto found that students were more likely to associate positive ideas with their dominant side and negative ideas with their less dominant side. Casasanto believes his findings, published in the August edition of Journal of Experimental Psychology, could have important implications in education.
He says “If righties write the textbook and create the exercises and set up the classrooms, they’re likely to arrange things according to this implicit ‘right is good’ preference,” Casasanto said. “Maybe that’s going to make learning math or going to school and sitting in the classroom just a little bit less pleasant or more disconcerting for lefties. Potentially, sensitivity to this could create better learning environments for lefties.”
Read our full article and add your comments here
Further reading:
Article on the study by Christine Blackman, Stanford University News
Casasanto’s Paper in the August edition of Journal of Experimental Psychology
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I wonder if the author of this article is left handed. We have had the scientific and medical fields analizing us for centuries and coming up with all type of hair brain conclusions. It is a good thing we exist. Were put in the same catagory as the Ape and Monkeys. Were interesting specimans. I wonder what enticed his brain to take on this analysis.
Hi
I am currently a student UCT in South Africa and I’m very keen to learn more about this study. Is there a way i can get ahold of the journal author or atleast a copy of his article. I’d really appreciate it because I’m keen to see if it applies to a South African context.
Ashley