Abstract
Handedness can be assessed using performance-based observational measures such as the Preferential Reaching paradigm that requires participants to reach and pick up an object in a specific location in working space. Our previous research (Bryden & Roy, 2006) has shown that as children get older they rely increasingly on their preferred hand, regardless of the position in working space, and the difficulty of the task. In an attempt to develop a naturalistic reaching task where children would be unaware that hand preference was being assessed, we modified the LEGO© task developed by Gonzales & Goodale (2009). Children ages 3 to 8 were asked reproduce a 3D model, constructed from either LEGO©, DUPLO© or MegaBlox© pieces, using pieces readily available across working space. Hand preference, using other traditional measures (WHQ and WHCT) task also obtained. Preliminary analysis showed that the preferred hand was used more often with increasing age. Looking specifically at hand use when reaching to each space, all age groups used their preferred hand more than the non-preferred hand when reaching to the midline and the ipsilateral space. Children aged 3-6 used the non-preferred hand more than the preferred hand when reaching to the contralateral space. Interestingly, the 7-8 year old group avoided both using their non-preferred hand and reaching into contralateral space. Such findings using a naturalistic reaching task confirm and extend the findings of Bryden & Roy (2006).Acknowledgments: Funding from NSERC Discovery grant