The speed of mental rotation as a function of problem-solving strategies.

40 subjects solved seven identical and seven mirror image visually-displayed mental-rotation problems, a measure of right hemisphere processing. Subjects who indicated that they had inferred that, if two objects were not identical, then they must be mirror images showed faster rotation times. This evidence supports the hypothesis that expedient problem-solving strategies may contribute to right-hemisphere processing speed as measured by mental rotation. That mental rotation and humor processing may draw on the same right hemisphere processes is also discussed.