Facial asymmetry (facedness) of selected academic faculty members was studied in relation to
brain asymmetry and cognitive specialization. Comparisons of facedness were made among
humanities faculty (H), faculty members of mathematics and physics (M-P), psychologists (P),
and a group of randomly selected 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 known differences in hemispheric specialization of cognitive
functions as they relate to the dominant cognitive activity of each of the different groups.

In view of the contralateral control of the two hemifaces (below the eyes) by the two
hemispheres of the brain, the two sides of the face undergo differential muscular
development, thus creating facial asymmetry. Other factors, such as gender, also may affect
facial asymmetry.

Suggestions for further research on facedness are discussed.
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