Do right- and left-handed monkeys differ on cognitive measures?
Twelve left- and 14 right-handed monkeys were compared on 6 measures of cognitive performance (2 maze-solving tasks, matching-to-sample, delayed matching-to-sample, delayed response using spatial cues, and delayed response using form cues). The dependent variable was trials-to-training criterion for each of the 6 tasks. Significant differences were found between left- and right-handed monkeys on the 2 versions of the delayed response task. Right-handed monkeys reached criterion significantly faster on the form cue version of the task, whereas left-handed monkeys reached criterion significantly faster on delayed response for spatial position (p < .05). The results suggest that sensitive hand preference measures of laterality can reveal differences in cognitive performance, which in turn may reflect underlying laterality in functional organization of the nervous system.
Hopkins
W D
WD
Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Washburn
D A
DA
D000818:Animals; D001288:Attention; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D007839:Functional Laterality; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D018782:Maze Learning; D011939:Mental Recall; D009949:Orientation; D011340:Problem Solving; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time