How common is left-handedness worldwide, and what is the range of reported prevalence across different studies and populations? Furthermore, what are some of the hypothesized genetic and environmental factors that might contribute to handedness, and are there any known cultural or societal biases that might influence the reported rates of left-handedness in different regions or demographics? Also, are there any significant differences in cognitive abilities or health outcomes between left-handed and right-handed individuals, taking into account methodological challenges in controlling for confounding variables in these types of studies?
Answer
Approximately 10-13% of the world’s population is left-handed. This figure represents an average across different studies and populations, and there can be variations based on geographic location, cultural factors, and the methodology used for assessment.
While estimates fluctuate, the general consensus places the prevalence of left-handedness within this range. Some studies have suggested slightly higher or lower figures, but the 10-13% range remains a widely accepted approximation. It’s important to note that the reported percentage can be influenced by how handedness is defined and measured (e.g., self-report questionnaires, observed hand preference for specific tasks).
Furthermore, there are slight gender differences often observed, with males being somewhat more likely to be left-handed than females.