Choice of handedness measures in studies of hemispheric specialization

Left-and right-handers have been reported to differ in lateral hemispheric specialization for cognition. We compared different methods of dividing subjects into handedness groups: preference(a 12-item questionnaire), performance(speed, strength, dexterity), and preference plus performance, and determined which method of handedness classification indicated the greatest group differences on EEG and dichotic measures of lateral specialization. All handedness measures were significantly intercorrelated. These handedness measures were significantly correlated with the dichotic test over the whole population but were significantly correlated with EEG asymmetry only in females. Scoring degree of handedness showed significant relationships to lateral specialization which were not seen when subjects were classified into discrete handedness groups. Ambidextrous subjects performed as well as right- or left-handers on unimanual tasks despite a lack of hand preference. The hand used for writing was shown to be too limited to be used as the sole index of handedness in studies related to cognition.