The concept of homology in the development of handedness

Dev Psychobiol. 2013 Jan;55(1):84-91. doi: 10.1002/dev.21038. Epub 2012 Jun 18.

Abstract

The construct of homology in the development of behavior is examined using human handedness. Research on the development of hand-use preferences in infants provides some evidence that it may be homologous with adult handedness. Nevertheless, I propose that the construct of homology may not be relevant to the study of human behavioral development. However, other constructs from developmental biology may prove useful in improving developmental psychological research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Development / physiology*
  • Choice Behavior / physiology
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Behavior / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*