Handedness and laterality: relations to general and creative intelligences
Authors
Tuohy, Meghan
Issue Date
2018
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if both directions of handedness (left/right/ambidextrous) and levels of laterality (extreme/mixed/split) have relationships with general and creative intelligence respectively. This study employed a quasi-experimental cross sectional design to examine direction of handedness and levels of laterality predictability on general and creative intelligences. Forty two fifth class children - aged 10-11 years and from an urban Irish primary school, - first completed the Lateral Preference Questionnaire (LPQ) to determine which groups, in relation to handedness and level of laterality, they were a member. They then completed the New Non-Reading Intelligence Test (NNRIT) and Wallas and Kogan’s assessment of creativity to establish their general and creative intelligence. Direction of handedness had a significant relationship with general intelligence, implying that right handed individuals have higher general intelligence than their left counter parts. There was no significant result for either the direction of handedness or levels of laterality with creative intelligence. In relation to levels of laterality and general intelligece, the result was also not significant, but was approaching significance. The split-laterality group had the highest mean in both general and creative intelligence, with the mixed laterality group having the lowest each time. Further research suggestions and limitations for the current study are included.