Track: Undergraduate Student Paper Competition

Abstract

This study explored the correlation of hand preference to brain dominance of senior high school students (SHS) in the Philippines using the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) questionnaire. Students were asked to accomplish the questionnaire and their scores were evaluated to confirm the theory of Sperry (1981) which suggested that the brain dominance of a person is lateral to his hand preference. Further, the characteristics of students in the four (4) academic strands for SHS were also assessed to verify if students have chosen the appropriate track that could enhance their skillset as individuals. Results revealed that Sperry’s theory was conclusive since most of the students with right hand preference demonstrated left-brain dominance and possessed the characteristics of being analytical, logical, and critical thinkers which are appropriate for the academic track they were enrolled in while students with left-hand preference are creative thinkers and artistic and exhibited dominance of the right side of the brain. Students who posses the character of being logical and have above average ability in mathematics and problem solving may pursue careers in science, technology, and engineering since these professions require analysis of data, perform various calculations, and create innovative designs. Consequently, the study will aid not only the students in finding the best profession suited for them in the future but will also help the teachers in assessing the profiles of their students to identify the suitable teaching methodologies in the classroom.