Bilateral transfer of skill in left- and right-handers

Abstract

Bilateral transfer of skill as a function of speed and accuracy was examined in self-classified left-handed (n = 20) and right-handed (n = 40) subjects. Two transfer conditions (non-preferred to preferred hand, preferred to non-preferred hand) were manipulated in a mirror-drawing task and data were treated with Groups (left, right hander) × Transfer type (speed, accuracy) × Side (non-preferred to preferred hand, preferred to non-preferred hand) mixed factorial ANOVA with repeated measure in Transfer and Side factors. Percentage of bilateral transfer (First 5 trials−Last 5 trials/First 5 trials × 100) was the dependent measure. Left and right-handers did not differ in the magnitude of bilateral transfer. Bilateral transfer was greater (a) from non-preferred to preferred side as compared to the reverse, and (b) was greater with respect to speed but not with accuracy.