Hemispheric and facial asymmetry: Faces of academe

Facial asymmetry (facedness) of selected academic faculty members was studi ed in relation to brain asymmetry and cognitive specialization. Comparisons of facedness were made among humanities faculty (H), faculty members of ma thematics and physics (M-P), psychologists (P), and a group of randomly sel ected individuals (R). Facedness was defined in terms of the relative sizes (in square centimeters) of the two hemifaces. It was predicted that the four groups would show differences in facedness, namely, H, right face bias; M-P, left face bias; P, no bias; and R, no bias . The predictions were confirmed, and the results interpreted in terms of k nown differences in hemispheric specialization of cognitive functions as th ey relate to the dominant cognitive activity of each of the different group s. In view of the contralateral control of the two hemifaces (below the eye s) by the two hemispheres of the brain, the two sides of the face undergo d ifferential muscular development, thus creating facial asymmetry. Other fac tors, such as gender, also may affect facial asymmetry. Suggestions for further research on facedness are discussed.