Cerebral Laterality and Handedness in Aviation: Performance and Selection Implications
Abstract
This paper reviews the general psychology literature related to handedness and cerebral laterality, beginning with a brief discussion of the research methods employed. Aspects of laterality, including vision, audition, tactile perception, spatial ability, and language are reviewed, as well as theories of cerebral dominance patterns. The handedness literature is examined, with attention to measurement, theories of genesis, sociocultural factors, and sex differences. There are many postulated correlates of human laterality, including performance, occupation, emotions, and various diseases. References, suggest that pilots who have no strong hand preference may be at a slight disadvantage in the cockpit, whereas those who are consistently right-side dominant tend to do well. Current neuropsychological theory would suggest that the 'ideal aviator brain' should be well lateralized, to minimize competition for hemispheric resources. There is evidence that pilots who are poorly lateralized may exhibit traits of right-left confusion. Several aircraft accidents have been attributed to pilots failing to correctly distinguish between 'left' and 'right'. Performance in flight school seems to be associated with right hemispheric (visuospatial) ability, as measured by tests of cognitive function. These tests have utility in the selection of aircrew; techniques for enhancing cognitive laterality may also prove useful. Keywords: Personality, Psychophysiology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA206196
Entities
People
- John S. Crowley
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine