Author(s)

M. Brosnan

Abstract

This paper proposes that biological factors such as the organisation of the brain and (relatedly) exposure to prenatal hormones affect how successfully individuals use technology. The paper outlines a neuropsychological perspective upon the computer culture. It suggests that the computer culture can be characterised as dominated by the processes associated with the left hemisphere to the exclusion of the processes associated with the right hemisphere. This exclusion is argued to reflect male brain organisation to a greater degree than female brain organisation. This provides a biologically based account of why gender differences emerge within HCI. Two preliminary studies examine the relationship between exposure to prenatal testosterone and computer-related abilities and anxieties. Significant relationships are found and the implications discussed. 1 Introduction For many psychol

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