Arithmetic and laterality

Relationships between arithmetic ability, hand preference and hand skill were investigated in a general population sample of schoolchildren, aged 9-11 years. Incidences of non-right-handedness were highest in the children best at arithmetic and fell progressively through average and below average groups. Strong effects were found for hand skill; level of ability declined linearly from left to right across the R-L continuum in both sexes. Strong dextrality was associated with poor left hand skill and not superior right hand skill. Arithmetic ability was positively associated with left hand skill but not with right hand skill.