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Abstract

This study examined the question whether the deviation of slant towards uprightness in simulated handwriting is enhanced by characteristics of the model or by the manner of production. The models were varied by familiarity of shape (loops vs zigzags and waves) and by width between downward strokes. 36 subjects with a slant of 50° to 70° in their normal handwriting copied 4 different writing patterns with 60° slant in a line and in an interrupted manner of production. Analysis showed that unfamiliar and narrow models as well as copying without interruptions led to significantly greater upright slant. Also, a significant interaction between familiarity and the manner of production was found. Results were discussed as evidence for employment of formerly learned motor programs in simulation tasks. Increased strain in the copying task leads to steeper downward strokes which probably are simpler to perform.

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Deviation of Slant in Freehand Simulation of Handwriting

Abstract

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