Cognitive Asymmetry, Computer Science Students, and Professional Programmers

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Abstract
System analysts and computer programmers of a university computer center performed better on visuospatial tasks usually attributed to the right cerebral hemisphere. By contrast, subjects from a human resources department of a bank performed better on verbosequential tasks associated with the left hemisphere. The cognitive profile was significantly different although the overall performance was not different between the groups. In an intermediate computer class there was a significant correlation between the cognitive profile favoring visuospatial skills and scores on computer projects in which the students used their own ingenuity. There was no correlation with scores that depended on class notes nor with scores on examinations. These results suggest that the cognitive profile may be an important indicator for success in certain occupations.