Considering handedness in studies involving manual control

Area of Science:

• Motor behavior research
• Neuroscience
• Human factors

Background:

• Assessing handedness in motor behavior studies is crucial.
• Current methods of self-reporting writing hand are often inadequate.
• Neuroscience indicates handedness influences information processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review handedness assessment methods in motor behavior research.
• To highlight the inadequacy of simple self-reporting for handedness.
• To recommend improved methodologies for subject selection.

Main Methods:

• Review of recently published studies in motor behavior research.
• Analysis of handedness assessment information provided in publications.
• Comparison of current practices with recommended best practices.

Main Results:

• Most motor behavior studies provide minimal or no information on handedness assessment.
• Simple self-identification of writing hand is a common but insufficient method.
• Significant differences in information processing exist based on handedness.

Conclusions:

• A more rigorous approach to assessing handedness is necessary for motor behavior studies.
• Utilizing validated preference inventories and selecting strongly lateralized subjects is recommended.
• Clear reporting of handedness assessment methodology enhances research validity.