Gender differences in laterality patterns for speaking and singing

Author(s): Daniel, H. J., Snow, M. A., Obrien, K. F., Hume, W. G.

Journal/Book: Neuropsychologia. 1994; 32: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, United Kingdom. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 1067-1078.

Abstract: This study examined behaviors reflecting cerebral organization of speaking and singing in normal college students. The investigation focused on whether differences existed in the laterality patterns of two singing tasks and one speaking task in males and females. Performance was measured on a verbal/manual time-sharing paradigm, coupling finger tapping with three vocal tasks (speaking, singing a rote song, singing up and down a diatonic five note scale). Females exhibited less variation than males in mean tapping rates and laterality scores across all three vocal tasks, thus indicating that gender most likely influences lateralization of vocal tasks. Bilateral integration was indicated for both males and females during singing up/down the aforementioned scale. These findings suggest differential involvement of both hemispheres in processing musical functions.

Note: Article MS Hough, E Carolina Univ, Dept Speech Language & Auditory Pathol, Greenville, NC 27858 USA

Keyword(s): HEMISPHERIC-SPECIALIZATION; CEREBRAL ASYMMETRIES; SEX-DIFFERENCES; PERFORMANCE; MUSICIANS; DISCRIMINATION; HANDEDNESS; PERCEPTION; DOMINANCE; MALES

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