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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Central and Divided Visual Field Presentation of Emotional Images to Measure Hemispheric Differences in Motivated Attention

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Sex Differences in Hemisphere Preference As Assessed by a Paper-and-Pencil Test.

Russo¹, Persegani, Papeschi

¹Brain Health Centre, Centre of Clinical Neuropsychophysiological Research, Rome, Italy.

The International Journal of Neuroscience

|August 12, 2000

Summary

This study found that while men and women show similar overall hemisphere preferences (HP), women exhibit less pronounced lateralization, particularly in language-related cognitive tasks. This suggests potential sex differences in brain function lateralization.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology

Background:

Hemisphere preference (HP) reflects an individual's reliance on left- or right-hemisphere cognitive processing.
Understanding sex differences in HP is crucial for insights into brain lateralization and cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate sex differences in hemisphere preference (HP) using the Preference Test (PT).
To explore how cognitive abilities, particularly language, contribute to observed sex differences in HP.

Main Methods:

A factor analysis was conducted on data from 1,057 participants (473 men, 584 women) using the Preference Test (PT).
Separate analyses were performed for men and women to identify sex-specific patterns in HP.
PT scores were re-evaluated after excluding language-related and unspecific items to refine the analysis.

Main Results:

Factor analysis revealed a clear two-factor structure (left-HP and right-HP) for the total sample, which was more straightforward in men.
Women showed more symmetrical distribution across factors for language-related items.
Excluding verbal ability items resulted in higher right-HP for women, indicating less pronounced lateralization.

Conclusions:

Sex differences in hemisphere preference exist, particularly concerning language processing.
Women may exhibit less pronounced lateralization of hemisphere-linked cognitive abilities compared to men.
The findings suggest a nuanced understanding of sex differences in brain lateralization is required.