Which concept refers to cognitive function being more reliant on one side of the brain?

The concept of lateralization refers to the way that certain cognitive functions are more dominant in one hemisphere of the brain than the other. This phenomenon can be observed in various mental processes, including language, spatial awareness, and critical thinking. For example, in most people, language production and comprehension are primarily controlled by the left hemisphere, while spatial skills may be more strongly associated with the right hemisphere. Lateralization is crucial for understanding how different cognitive abilities are divided among the two halves of the brain, resulting in specialized functions that enhance overall cognitive performance.

In contrast, egocentrism is a developmental stage where an individual has difficulty seeing things from perspectives other than their own, and centration refers to the tendency to focus on one aspect of a situation while neglecting others. Symbolic thought describes the ability to use symbols, including language, to represent objects and ideas, which is a developmental milestone rather than a structural aspect of brain function. These concepts do not encapsulate the idea of cognitive reliance on one side of the brain as lateralization does.