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Sex Differences In Hemispheric Functioning (Sex Differences In Left Brain/Right Brain)

Exploration into sex differences in hemispheric functioning and cognitive abilities often produces considerable evidence for the bi-lateralisation of women (Njemanze, 2004). Although most cognitive functions are generally considered to be represented on both sides of the brain, each side has distinct control over different functions (Hutt, 1978). The left side is popularly associated with language and the right with non-verbal environmental awareness (Hutt). As a general social assumption, and one that has also been scientifically tested, men are reported to excel in most visuo-spatial tasks, and women in certain verbal tasks (Sommer, Aleman, Bouma & Kahn, 2004). It has been hypothesized that the bilateral representation of language in women interferes with visuo-spatial functions in the right hemisphere and so women tend to perform better with language tasks rather than those that involve math or spatial functioning (Sommer, Aleman, Bouma & Khan). Most studies show males and females over-lapping on cognitive tests and so there does not appear to be a substantial difference for these implications to be important in relation to learning difficulties or behaviour (Lezak, 1995, Springer & Deutsch, 1981). In fact most reports suggest the difference in cognitive functioning of males and females should not be used to determine or assess the skills and interests of each sex (Springer & Deutsch). Other studies show evidence for hormones playing a vital role in the bi-lateralisation of women in cognitive functioning (Hausmann & Gunturkun, 1999).
As reported by Hutt (1978), the cerebral hemispheres of males and females could appear to be two separate minds. Each side dominating certain cognitive abilities while still swapping and integrating information when required to regulate the more intricate of cortical functioning (Hutt). In other words, the different parts of the brain are specialised to perform different functions. Over the years, scientists have developed...