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Stefan is ____; therefore, he is nearly certain to lateralize language to his left hemisphere.

a.
left-handed
c.
right-handed
b.
ambidextrous
d.
bidextrous

User Aymeba
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Language functions are generally localized to the left hemisphere in most people, and since Stefan is right-handed, he is highly likely to have his language centers in the left hemisphere. Research relates handedness with brain lateralization, although language functions can be globally distributed across both hemispheres.

Step-by-step explanation:

The language functions of the cerebral cortex are predominately localized to the left hemisphere in most people. About 95% of the population, regardless of being right or left-handed, have their language center located in the left hemisphere. However, handedness can be associated with lateralization, and right-handed individuals are more likely to have left-hemisphere language dominance. Given that Stefan is right-handed, he is nearly certain to lateralize language to his left hemisphere. In contrast, left-handed and ambidextrous individuals might show a higher variability in the lateralization of their language functions, with some having language centers in the right hemisphere or distributed across both.

Ongoing research, including that by Michael and anthropologist David Frayer, examines how these brain features evolved, indicating a connection between increased brain size, handedness, and tool use in human evolution.

While the concept of people being "right-brained" or "left-brained" is largely a myth, the left hemisphere's predominant role in language and the right hemisphere's involvement in spatial and nonverbal reasoning are important aspects of brain lateralization. However, many functions such as language are distributed globally around the cerebrum, and there is no absolute division of cognitive abilities between the hemispheres.

User Eugene Ryzhikov
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