Lateral preference as a predictor of cognitive rigidity

Abstract

This investigation examined the degree to which lateral preference patterns would predict cognitive rigidity. The scores on Laterality Preference Schedule for 60 normal adults were related to both the total number of corrects and rigidity scores of the Three Jar Test. The results showed that although patterns of lateral preference held little value in predicting whether a problem would be solved correctly, more left‐oriented patterns of preference for visually guided tasks were significantly related to the use of rigid solutions. These data were interpreted as lending support to both a multifactorial approach to lateral preference and neuropsychological implications for cognitive rigidity.

Integration of Neuropsychological and Cognitive Theory in Rehabilitation

“…These data were consistent with Reitan's (1955) work with brain damaged patients and the idea that the left hemisphere is better inclined for processing speech, language, and calculation. Given these findings and the confirmation of other studies, researchers agree that verbal information, such as speech, language, and calculation, are more efficiently processed by the left hemisphere (Dean, 1979;Gray, Dean, & Seretny, 1986;Batchelor, Williams, Hill, & Dean, 1997). In contrast, the right hemisphere of the brain seems better able to process visual-spatial transformations and analyze complex visual patterns.…”