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Laterality,

Edition 1 Exploring the Enigma of Left-Handedness

Editors: By Clare Porac

Publication Date: 04 Jan 2016

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Left-handedness has been connected to many different conditions, traits, and abilities. This is especially true for pathological syndromes, such as schizophrenia, along with learning disabilities and autism. The published research on handedness is vast and frequently contradictory, often raising more questions than providing answers. Questions such as:

Is handedness genetic?

Can handedness be changed?

Are there consequences to training someone to switch handedness?

Are there positive traits associated with left-handedness like creativity?

Are there negative traits associated with left-handedness like trouble reading maps?

Is it abnormal to do some things right-handed and other things left-handed?

Are the brains of left-handers different from the brains of right-handers?

Laterality: Exploring the Enigma of Left-Handedness examines the research conducted over the past 50 years with special emphasis on twenty-first century research on handedness and translates this literature into an accessible and readable form. Each chapter is based on a question or questions covering diverse topics such as genetic and biological origins of handedness, familial and hormonal influences on handedness, and the effects of a majority right-handed world on the behaviors of left-handers.

Key Features

Summarizes scientific research on laterality
Separates fact from fiction in common beliefs about laterality
Includes illustrative interviews with left-handers

About the author

By Clare Porac, Professor of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, Erie, Pennsylvania, USA

Chapter 1. Everybody’s Right, So What’s Left?

Abstract
Hand Preference
Hand Performance
Hand Preference and Performance: Same or Different?
Measuring Handedness: Do’s and Don’ts
References

Chapter 2. Left in the Genes

Abstract
One Gene, Two Hands
Many Genes, Two Hands
What Conclusion is Left?
References

Chapter 3. Who’s Left in the Family?

Abstract
Familial Sinistrality
Families and Pathological Left-Handedness
What’s Left to the Parents?
References

Chapter 4. Left-Handers and the Right Mind

Abstract
Right Brain, Left Brain, and Handedness
Thinking Left and Right
Handwriting Postures and the Hemispheres
Right Brain, Left Brain
References

Chapter 5. Left with Raging Hormones

Abstract
Men to the Left, Women to the Right
Left-Handedness and Sexual Orientation
Left for All Seasons
References

Chapter 6. Left to Die

Abstract
Why Left-Handedness and Early Death?
Challenging Elimination
Handedness Modification
Eliminating Elimination
References

Chapter 7. Left in a Right-Handed World

Abstract
Left-Handers Become Right-Handers
Left-Handedness: Dangerous or Just Different?
References

Chapter 8. Geography, History, and the Left Hand

Abstract
Touring the World with Left-Hand Turns
Left-Handed Ups and Downs Through History
References

Chapter 9. Disorders, Diseases, and Life on the Left

Abstract
Left-Handedness and Disorders of the Mind
Is Left-handedness a Marker for Poor Health?
A New Approach to Left-Handedness and Pathology
References

Chapter 10. Life on the Left: Not Bad After All

Abstract
Is There a Left-Handed Personality Type?
Left-Handedness, Ability, and Career Choice
Left in the Sporting Life
References

Chapter 11. More Than a Left Hand

Abstract
Footedness: The Other Limb Lateral Preference
Eyedness: The Problem of Two Eyes
Earedness: The Almost Forgotten Lateral Preference
The Lateral Preference Line-up
References

Chapter 12. Leftovers

Abstract
Hand Clasping and Arm Folding
Leg Crossing
Latent Leftness
Human Ancestors, Left and Right
One Thought Left
References

Title Reviews

"...as an academic text it offers a great introduction to handedness research. This would make it a good resource for an upper-level undergraduate/postgraduate student seeking to efficiently acquaint themselves with the world of handedness."—Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain and Cognition

"Whether you are left- or mixed-handed, or simply want to know how non-conforming laterality relates to a wide range of psychological factors, you will likely find a host of interesting research presented in this book."—PsycCRITIQUES

"Laterality: Exploring the Enigma of Left-Handedness is divided into 12 chapters, covering … the roles of genetics and hormones in handedness, to early death and psychological disorder in left-handers. At the end of each chapter, Porac presents a clear take-away summary of the chapter’s key findings, helpfully distinguishing fact from fiction…Porac set out to translate laterality research into an accessible and readable form, and…she’s accomplished this goal….As an academic text it offers a great introduction to handedness research. This would make it a good resource for an upper-level undergraduate/postgraduate student seeking to efficiently acquaint themselves with the world of handedness." —Annukka K. Lindell

ISBN: 9780128012390

Page Count: 232

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