The magnitude of the dichotic right ear advantage was assessed in 48 normal and 48 learning disabled (LD) children (mean age 8.3 years). Ss were matched according to age, sex, and handedness. An analysis of results indicated a significant right ear advantage in both the normal and LD children, but revealed no developmental trend for either group. Differences observed in the performance of LD and normal children may reflect variability in selective attention rather than differences in the degree of cerebral lateralization. Results suggested a need for reconceptualization of the causative factors affecting children with learning disorders and lent support to the notion that cerebral lateralization is not a developmental phenomenon. (Author/SBH)