An Observational Method of Assessing Handedness in Children and Adults

Abstract

The current study was performed to assess the WatHand Cabinet Test (WHCT), a newly developed multidimensional observational test of handedness. Because the test is observational, it is ideal for assessing children, as it does not require a high degree of verbal comprehension on the part of the participants. 548 individuals participated in the present study on a voluntary basis. Individuals of varying ages were examined (including 3 to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11-year-olds, and 19-to 24-year-olds). Each participant was asked to complete the WHCT, the Annett Pegboard (Annett, 1985), and the Waterloo Handedness Questionnaire (WHQ) (M.P. Bryden, 1977). Overall, the total score on the WHCT was significantly correlated with both the WHQ, r =.795, p < .01, and the Annett Pegboard, r = .542, p < .01. Sub-scores measuring skilled performance, bimanual performance, and internal consistency were also examined, as well as performance on the three tests as a function of age. Overall, findings indicate that that the WHCT is a valid test of hand preference in both children and adults. Its ease of use, quick administration, and built-in quantitative sub-scores offer a robust alternative method for measuring hand preference.