Effect of Pure and Crossed Dextrality on Marksmanship Skill

Abstract

This research examined the effects of pure and crossed dextrality on the marksmanship scores of cadets in the Reserve Officers Training Corps at their respective institutions. 34 males, right-handed (dextral) subjects (M age = 21.5 yr.) were classified on the basis of eyedness. During summer advanced training camp, subjects fired M-16A1 rifles for marksmanship qualifying scores (score range 0 to 40). Of the 34 subjects, 17 were classified as pure dextrals (right-hand, right-eye), while the other 17 were labeled crossed dextrals (right-hand, left-eye). The mean difference between the two groups was significant, suggesting that pure dextrals are better marksmen than crossed dextrals early in training. Also, the interrelation of eyedness and handedness on marksmanship scores is important but has been largely ignored.