Many of Us Are Dominantly Right-Handed but Left-Eyed. Here’s the Reason

The study explores the complex interplay of handedness and visual biases in humans, drawing parallels with similar traits observed across the animal kingdom. While handedness is well-known as a defining characteristic, the study reveals lesser-known biases that impact social dynamics and cognitive functions.

Human Biases and Brain Lateralization

Humans exhibit a strong tendency towards right-handedness, alongside a preference for processing faces and emotions more effectively in the left visual field. Brain lateralization roots these biases, enabling different brain hemispheres to simultaneously manage distinct tasks, enhancing survival through optimized cognitive functions critical for social interaction and environmental awareness.

Contrary to earlier beliefs, these behavioral biases are not unique to humans but are observed across vertebrates. Animal studies provide evidence that such biases contribute to improved performance in survival-related tasks, underscoring their evolutionary significance in diverse species.

Study on Hand and Visual Biases in Humans

In a comprehensive study involving over 1,600 participants from varied backgrounds, researchers examined how variations in hand and visual biases impact performance and social skills. “They found that individuals with moderate biases tend to exhibit enhanced task flexibility, suggesting an optimal balance between left and right preferences.”

Researchers categorized participants into standard and reversed bias profiles based on their hand and visual biases. Notably, those classified in the reversed profile, while rare, showed lower social scores and a higher prevalence of developmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. These findings highlight the potential social and cognitive implications of divergent bias patterns among individuals.

Evolutionary Underpinnings and Implications

The findings underscore “the evolutionary underpinnings of human biases and their implications for social behavior and cognitive development. Understanding these biases not only sheds light on human neurological diversity but also opens avenues for early screening and intervention in developmental disorders.” This research reinforces the importance of studying human behavior within the broader context of evolutionary biology and animal behavior studies.

Read the Original Article on: Science Alert

Read more: Rare Gene Variants Linked to Left-Handedness