Hand preference in simultaneous unimanual tasks: a preliminary examination

The aim of the current investigation was to determine the pattern of hand use during simultaneous unimanual tasks. Two studies were conducted. The first experiment examined the pattern of hand use in a catching task, while performing a secondary writing task. Results showed that individuals had a decreased tendency to catch with their preferred hand when their preferred hand was occupied, in comparison to when the preferred hand was unoccupied. The second experiment examined the pattern of hand use during a support and reach task, where the use of both hands was required. Here, results indicated that participants preferred to support themselves with their nonpreferred hand and reach with preferred hand toward right hemispace. With respect to left hemispace, participants showed the reverse pattern. This pattern of hand use indicates an important role for the nonpreferred hand, which has been relatively unexplored by researchers.