A New Study Shows That A Large Number Of People Have Trouble Distinguishing Between Their Left And Right | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

A New Study Shows That A Large Number Of People Have Trouble Distinguishing Between Their Left And Right

A short scientific insight as to why you still rely on the various tricks to tell the difference between lefts and rights.

36
compass

We have all faced the challenge of trying to give directions at some point. For some, one will simply state to go either left or right; however, there are the various few who confuse the two and then bashfully correct themselves with a simple "Oops, I meant the other way."

It may seem silly for one to confuse a concept that we have been using all our lives, but it is actually quite a frequent mistake that about 20% of the population makes.

The question that arises, however, is why is this such a common mistake?

On a logical scale, distinguishing between left and right is far more complex than that of up, down, front, or back. For example, say we are pinpointed on a location facing north. If we were to distinguish which direction was left and right, we will find that left would be facing towards the west and right towards the east. Now let's say we turn about 180-degrees clockwise to where we are facing south. Where would left and right be then? If you stated that left would be towards the east and right towards the west, then you would be correct. The same concept applies to Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast, with left and right facing different directions every rotation. To simply put it, there are far more variables to consider when pointing out which direction is left or right compared to up, down, front, or back, which are always constant.

Your stress factor can also influence whether or not you are prone to this simple mistake.

According to the article, medical students and professionals often reported insecurities in telling their left from their right due to the stress factors and time pressure they face. For example, in January 2000, two doctors in Southern Wales lost their practicing license after removing the incorrect kidney, which eventually leads to the death of their patient. Yikes!

So what can you do to reduce the number of times you confuse your left and right?

Simply stated, use one of the various tricks you were taught back in elementary school to distinguish your left from your right. Making the notorious L-shape with your hand or tying a string around your dominant hand to remember which is left and which is right is always helpful. Also, take your time. The quicker you want to respond to which direction to go, the more likely you are to make mistakes.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

443695
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

17152
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

41903
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21454
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

321885
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments