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Geschwind–Galaburda hypothesis

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The Geschwind–Galaburda hypothesis was proposed by Norman Geschwind and Albert Galaburda to explain sex differences in cognitive abilities by relating them to Lateralization of brain function. The basic idea is that differences in maturation rates between the cerebral hemispheres are mediated by circulating testosterone levels, and that sexual maturation acts to fix the hemispheres at different relative stages of development after puberty.

According to the theory, male brains mature later than females, and the left hemisphere matures later than the right.

Contradictions

Although the Geschwind-Galaburda hypothesis is often cited in mainstream media[1] and publication resources, it should be noted that very little research evidence (if any) has been presented to substantiate the theory. In fact, evidence has emerged suggesting that high prenatal estrogen exposure is a more plausible explanation for left-handedness. In a study endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) it is suggested that men who were prenatally exposed to diethylstilbestrol (a synthetic estrogen based fertility drug), are more likely to be left handed.[2] This has been confirmed with animal studies.

See also

References and further reading

  • Geschwind, N., & Galaburda, A.M. (1987). Cerebral Lateralization: biological mechanisms, associations and pathology. MIT press: Cambridge, MA.
  • Geschwind, N., & Galaburda, A.M. (1985a). Cerebral lateralization: Biological mechanisms, associations, and pathology: I. A hypothesis and a program for research. Archives of Neurology, 42, 428–459.
  • Geschwind, N., & Galaburda, A.M. (1985b). Cerebral lateralization: Biological mechanisms, associations, and pathology: II. A hypothesis and a program for research. Archives of Neurology, 42, 521–552.
  • Geschwind, N., & Galaburda, A.M. (1985c). Cerebral lateralization: Biological mechanisms, associations, and pathology: III. A hypothesis and a program for research. Archives of Neurology, 42, 634–654.
  • Geschwind, N. (1979). Specialization of the Human Brain. Scientific American 241(3):180–199.
  • Geschwind, N. (1972). Language and the Brain. Scientific American 226 (4):76–83.
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  1. ^ BBC. "Sex ID Handedness".
  2. ^ Titus-Ernstoff; et al. (2003). "Psychosexual Characteristics of Men and Women Exposed Prenatally to Diethylstilbestrol". {{cite news}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |last= (help)
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