Age and handedness: patterns of change in the population and sex differences become visible with increased statistical power.
In a sample of 12,030 subjects, ranging in age from 8 to 99 years, significant decreases in both mixed and consistent left-handedness were found as age increased. There were also significant sex differences, with males more likely to be left- or mixed-handed. These age and sex differences were reported as non-significant in Porac's (1993) smaller sample of 654. Methodological issues associated with asserting the null hypothesis in handedness studies when statistical power is low are also discussed.
Coren
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Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. SCOREN@CORTEX.PSYCH.UBC.CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012945:Social Values