The connection between visual perception and hand laterality

Abstract

Introduction: At a preschool age, hand laterality represents one of the indicators of the quality of motor organization and the level of the cerebral hemisphere dominance. Visual perception as a complex mental function requires active involvement of the left and right hemispheres. The aim of our research is to try and estimate whether there are any differences in children using their left or right hand in preference to the other, in terms of the method of solving visual-spatial perception tasks, as well as whether the gender affects the solving process. Method: The research was conducted on a sample consisting of 60 preschool children, divided into two groups according to the handedness, the left-handed and right-handed. The tests for the hand-use laterality were used to assess the dominant laterality, while Acadia Developmental Abilities Test was used to assess visual perception. The Program Statistica version 8.0 was used for the statistical data processing. The values p<0.05 were taken as significant. Results: The results of the research showed that the quality of solving visual perception tasks was not related to the dominant laterality. The differences between left-handed and right-handed children did not manifest in any of the subtests. In addition, success in solving these tasks did not depend on the gender of children, either. Conclusion: Nonverbal abilities, which were monitored through visual perception tasks, have no connection with the certain hand preference or children's gender. Left-handed and right-handed children have equal visual perception abilities.