Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1979

Thesis Director

Frank E. Hustmyer, Jr.

Abstract

Lateral eye movements and handedness as indexes of hemisphere asymmetry were compared to field-dependence-independence, as measured by Rod-and-Frame Test errors, and to Wechsler Verbal and Performance IQs. Consistent with previous research, the hypotheses predicted that persons with inconsistent lateral eye movements (ambilaterality) would have greater Rod-and-Frame errors (field-dependence) and lower Wechsler Verbal and Performance IQs.

Subjects were 41 male undergraduates who were grouped according to their lateral eye movements in response to 20 reflective questions consisting of ten verbal (left-hemisphere) and ten spatial (right-hemisphere) questions. The response scoring resulted in 12 subjects with 70% or more lateral eye movements to the right who were classified as "right-movers" (left hemisphere dominant), 12 subjects with 70% or more lateral eye movements to the left who were classified as "left-movers" (right hemisphere dominant), and 17 subjects with inconsistent lateral eye movements who were classified as "bidirectionals" (ambilateral). Ambilaterals are assumed to have verbal functions equally represented in both hemispheres of the brain rather than left hemisphere specialization for that function. In addition to the subsequent administration of the handedness questionnaire, Rod-and-Frame Test, and the Wechsler, the existence of immediate or extended-family sinistrality (left-handedness) was also questioned.

Statistical analysis by means of one-way analysis of variance, stepwise regression, and discriminant analysis yielded no significant differences between the three groups on measures of LEMs, handedness, Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, or Full Scale IQ. Chi square analysis of absence or presence of immediate or extended family sinistrality likewise yielded no significant results.

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