Cognitive Performance - Gender Differences
April 15th 2007 23:05
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From Science Daily comes the report of findings that the tendency to use landmarks for navigation is typical only of females. It's not just a difference in how well males and females solve spatial relationships but in the types of cues they use to do this.
Researchers are applying this knowledge to gain a better understanding of how the brain develops and functions. It tends to suggest subtle sex differences in the way the brain develops. Men use north and south as well as distances, women use street names, signs and buildings.
They hope this research will lead to insights into abnormal brain development and disorders such as AHD and Alzheimer's and Autism.
They studied rhesus macaques and their prenatal exposure to androgens in utero.
Abnormal hormone levels are associated with developmental disorders.
Success in research may lead to better treatments of the disorders.
In adulthood spatial information and landmarks were used to assess the monkeys' memory and the way they use markers.
In the presence of all markers there was no discernible difference. But with restrictions those monkeys deprived of sufficient androgen were found to perform more like females.
I guess the debates about male/female differences will continue.
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Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
And both my mum and my man have TERRIBLE sense of direction - Have been known to go completely the wrong way even if theyve gone to a certain place dozens of times. My mum cant remember landmarks at all and my mans utterly hopeless. I have what they call "eye for country" and a great sense of direction - I always know which way to go. Theyd never find their way without me!
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
It seems they chose wisely, how about you?
I'm on the female side on this one, never know where I'm going and Hate using a street directory.
katyzzz