Performance by Males and Females on Three Motor Tasks under Standard and Mirror Reversal Conditions

Abstract

Nine males and nine females were used as subjects to test the null hypothesis that there would be no significant differences between the performance of college age males and females on three motor tasks. Star tracing, tapping, and rotary pursuit were the tasks used under two conditions: (a) while looking at a mirror that would cause a reversal effect, and (b) under standard conditions without looking at a mirror. Results revealed no differences between males and females on the tasks performed without a mirror. However, the females performed significantly better on the same tasks while looking at a mirror.