What is the Difference Between Left Handed People and Right Handed People?

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The main difference between left-handed and right-handed people lies in their dominant hand and the corresponding brain hemisphere controlling that hand. Left-handed people are more comfortable using their left hand for tasks like writing and throwing, while right-handed people prefer using their right hand. Studies suggest that approximately 90% of people are right-handed, and about 10% are left-handed. Ambidexterity, where a person has equal ability in both hands, is quite rare, with about a 1% prevalence.

Some key differences between left-handed and right-handed people include:

  • Brain Asymmetry: In right-handers, the left hemisphere controls the dominant right hand, while the situation is reversed in left-handers. Most people have left hemisphere dominance for language, but this is more often reversed in left-handers.
  • Handedness and Intelligence: While some studies suggest that left-handed people may have superior verbal skills and excel in sports, no clear evidence of a higher intelligence level has been found.
  • Handedness and Creativity: Left-handed people's brains are structured differently, allowing them to process language, spatial relations, and emotions in more diverse and potentially creative ways. A slightly larger number of left-handers than right-handers are especially gifted in music and math.
  • Handedness and Stigma: In some cultures, left-handedness has been historically stigmatized, leading to challenges for left-handed individuals in a predominantly right-handed world.

In summary, the primary difference between left-handed and right-handed people is their dominant hand and the corresponding brain hemisphere. While there are some differences in cognitive processing and creativity, no clear evidence of a higher intelligence level exists for left-handed people.

Comparative Table: Left Handed People vs Right Handed People

Here is a table comparing some differences between left-handed and right-handed people:

Feature Left-Handed People Right-Handed People
Prevalence Approximately 10% of the population Approximately 90% of the population
Handedness Dominant left hand Dominant right hand
Brain Hemisphere Left brain hemisphere controls muscles on the right side of the body Right brain hemisphere controls muscles on the left side of the body
Creative Professions More likely to hold slots in creative professions Less likely to hold slots in creative professions
Verbal Reasoning Some studies show higher verbal reasoning scores May have lower verbal reasoning scores compared to left-handed people
Sports Advantage Over-represented in sports that involve aiming at a target Not over-represented in sports that involve aiming at a target

It is essential to note that the percentages and characteristics mentioned above are generalizations and may not apply to every individual. Handedness is partly influenced by genes, but the environment also plays a role in shaping it.