AGE AND SEX DIFFERENCES IN MEASURES OF BRAIN LATERALIZATION

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Abstract
Kindergarten and 6th grade, male and female, right-handed children [79] were administered 2 tasks which infer left-hemisphere processing (WISC [Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children] Digit Span and PMA [Primary Mental Abilities] Verbal Meaning) and 2 tasks which infer right-hemisphere processing (WISC Block Design and PMA Spatial Relations) and the Rod-and-Frame Test, a measure of field dependence/independence. A significant grade level increase for all of the tests except for the PMA Spatial Relations Test was noted. The decrease on the PMA Spatial Relations Test was significant for female subjects. Males (6th grade) were significantly superior to 6th grade females on the constructive, visuo-spatial task (WISC Block Design Test). There were no other significant sex differences when separating out age level differences. Apparently there is less lateralization for females and for males earlier, greater right-hemisphere lateralization for spatial tasks with 3-dimensional constructive components.