Atypical cerebral dominance: predictions and tests of the right shift theory

Alexander and Annett (Brain and Language, in press) described new cases of atypical cerebral specialization, and suggested that these observations and others in the literature could be explained by the right shift (RS) theory. The theory generates specific predictions as to the prevalence of different patterns of cerebral dominance and their distribution among right-handers and left-handers. Predictions differ between strict and generous criteria of sinistrality, as between left writers and non-right-handers. Tests of the predictions against reports in the literature reveal good fits for most data. New studies will test the RS theory if their design permits examination of the present predictions.