Degree versus direction: A comparison of four handedness classification schemes through the investigation of lateralised semantic priming

Four classification systems were examined using lateralised semantic priming in order to investigate whether degree or direction of handedness better captures the pattern of lateralised semantic priming. A total of 85 participants completed a lateralised semantic priming task and three handedness questionnaires. The classification systems tested were: (1) the traditional right- vs left-handed (RHs vs LHs); (2) a four-factor model of strong and weak right- and left-handers (SRHs, WRHs, SLHs, WLHs); (3) strong- vs mixed-handed (SHs vs MHs); and (4) a three-factor model of consistent left- (CLHs), inconsistent left- (ILHs), and consistent right-handers (CRHs). Mixed-factorial ANOVAs demonstrated significant visual field (VF) by handedness interactions for all but the third model. Results show that LHs, SLHs, CLHs, and ILHs responded faster to LVF targets, whereas RHs, SRHs, and CRHs responded faster to RVF targets; no significant VF by handedness interaction was found between SHs and MHs. The three-factor model better captures handedness group divergence on lateralised semantic priming by incorporating the direction of handedness as well as the degree. These findings help explain some of the variance in language lateralisation, demonstrating that direction of handedness is as important as degree. The need for greater consideration of handedness subgroups in laterality research is highlighted.