Hand-use preference for reaching and object manipulation in 6- through 13-month-old infants.

Abstract

Validity, reliability, and stability of separate assessment of hand-use preferences for reaching, object manipulation, and complementary bimanual action were determined for 6 through 13 month-old male and female infants. Only hand-use preferences for complementary bimanual action varied with age. Females had more distinct hand-use preference than males but only for object manipulation. Comparison of hand-use preference among these different sensorimotor skills can provide a richer evaluation of infant handedness status required for systematic study of the development of neuropsychological functions during infancy.