Gender and handedness differences in mirror-tracing random forms

Abstract Fifteen left-handed males and females, as well as 15 right-handed males and females were required to mirror-trace the outline of several random forms using their dominant and non-dominant hands. Speed and accuracy of tracing performance served as the dependent variables. In general, females were quicker and more accurate than males in tracing these shapes. Moreover, females were equally efficient using either their dominant or non-dominant hand, this in contrast to both right- and left-handed males who performed significantly better when using their non-dominant hand (i.e. their left and right hands, respectively). These results are discussed in terms of a differential cerebral organization characterizing males and females, as well as left- and right-handers. In addition, we entertain the possibility that neuropsychological variables (e.g., the presence or absence of familial sinistrality), and environmental factors (e.g., differential practice in performing mirror-reversed motor tasks like “the application of cosmetics”) may contribute to the observed effects.