Laterality and general intelligence in children aged 6 – 8 years

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the types of laterality and level of general intelligence in primary school children, aged six to eight years. Methods : The sample consisted of 120 students, both boys and girls. General intelligence was measured using Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM), while laterality was assessed using the Harris Test for lateral dominance. Results : The results obtained highlight that the dominant type of laterality is RRR - completely right-handed with stably accomplished laterality (81 subjects), followed by RLR - crossed ocular-manual and stably accomplished laterality (29 subjects). The proportion of those with LLL laterality - completely left-handed with stably accomplished laterality is small (4 subjects). In terms of general intelligence, most participants had IQs that can be classified in the category of those with a higher level of intelligence (65 subjects), succeeded by those with a superior medium level (27 subjects). Conclusion: Identifying the type of laterality and level of intelligence of children participating in physical education and sports classes is needed in order to leverage the intervention on the psychomotor components and to facilitate the process of adaptation of the child to the school environment.