Hand Preference in India

Abstract

The degree of asymmetric handedness was measured by a 22‐item hand preference questionnaire in a sample of 442 Indian subjects. Factor analysis of the data for right‐handers yielded four item‐clusters: Gross activities, skilled activities (general), skilled activities (specific), and activities subject to social pressure. Identical analysis for left‐handers yielded three item‐clusters: Activities that are executed with difficulty, with ease, and with greater frequency. The degree of asymmetric handedness in right‐handers was positively (high) correlated with an index of social pressure against left‐hand use, especially for the items, writing and eating. The correlation was negative (moderate) in left‐handers, however, who had preferred the right hand for eating purposes. © 1992 International Union of Psychological Science