Directionality in circle drawing in relation to age, sex, handedness and hand used

Journal/Book: Stud Psychol. 1997; 39: Dubravska Cesta 9, 813 64 Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Slovak Acad Sciences Inst Experimental Psychology. 187-195.

Abstract: The incidence of clockwise directionality in the Torque Test (devised by T.H. Blau) was studied from the point of view of age, sex, handedness and hand used in a sample of 219 children selected from the Ist and 3rd grades of the normal school population. Results point to the remarkable developmental decrease of left-hand torque in right-handers, which is more marked in girls. This age effect is not apparent in left-handers, sex differences being also of a different character. Results are discussed in terms of some possible mechanisms participating in the torque preference, including the neuromuscular and the interhemispheric transfer hypotheses. The effect of writing-practice is also considered. The study brings some support to Blau's original proposal connecting circling behavior with neural integrative functions of corpus callosum. Several recommendations concerning the torque assessment are offered.

Note: Article Zapotocna O, Slovak Acad Sci, Dept Social & Biol Commun, Klemensova 19, Bratislava 81364, SLOVAKIA

Keyword(s): directionality; Torque-Test; handedness; writing-practice; TORQUE TEST; CHILDREN; DOMINANCE

Zurück | Weiter