Sex differences in the association of cerebral hemispheric specialization of spatial function with conservation task performance.

The association of locus of cerebral hemispheric specialization of spatial function with identity and equivalence conservation judgments was tested in a group of 4- to 6-year-old right-handed children (N = 31). Separate multiple regression analyses for males and females revealed that locus of specialization of spatial function was irrelevant for performance on the equivalence conservation task but was a significant factor in male identity conservation performance. Whereas right hemisphere specialization was advantageous for males, it was of no significant import for females. Results are discussed in the light of previous research on the use of differing cognitive stratergies by males and females in problem-solving situations.

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