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A Study of Graphical Abilities in Children

Author(s):
Lurcat, Lilliane; Kostin, Irene W.
Publication Year:
1968
Report Number:
RB-68-27
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
38
Subject/Key Words:
Child Development, Handwriting, Lateral Dominance, Lurcat Test of Graphical Abilities, Psychomotor Skills

Abstract

The Lurcat Test of Graphical Abilities was administered to 124 righthanded children between the ages of four and ten. Estimates of age norms were determined for the ability to reproduce the correct form of a curve, i.e., a cycloid or a spiral, when given (a) visual information alone, (b) both visual and kinesthetic information, and (c) kinesthetic information alone. Results for the right and left hands were determined separately. Estimates of age norms were determined, also, for the ability to reproduce the correct trajectory or orientation of these curves in the three situations mentioned above. Results for the right and left hands were determined separately. Most of the development of these abilities seems to occur between the ages of four and seven. Reproducing cycloids with parallel rotations with both hands simultaneously while blindfolded seems to be related to laterality. In this situation, for six-and seven-year-olds, the large majority of right-handed children correctly reproduce the rotation of the cycloid only with the right hand. The rotation produced by the left hand was found to be symmetrical rather than parallel to that produced by the right hand. Evidence was also obtained which indicates that the dominant hand is superior to the nondominant hand in the reproduction rather than the reception of kinesthetic information.

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