This project involves an examination of the development of infant neuromotor abilities from 4 weeks of age to 1 year. From 4 to 16 weeks of age, we observe infant supine had orientation preference (SHOP), assess the amount of time that each hand is in the field of view, observe the frequency of arm movements, the grasping pattern of each hand, and the frequency and type of self-touching patterns for each hand.
We assess these abilities of the infant by going to the families’ homes and recording the infant as they lay on their back or in an infant seat.
We also use actigraphs, which are like very sensitive Fitbits, to record the motor activity of each arm of the infant while the infant is reclined in an infant seat.
Observing these early neuromotor movements can tell us about the antecedent behaviors which may contribute to the development of handedness. Previous research has shown that the majority of infants have a right head orientation preference (Michel, 1981) which plays a role in the development of right hand preference (Goodwin & Michel, 1981).
Students help with this project by assisting in data collection (going to homes to record the infant’s movements), and watching the recorded videos to “tag” or code the videos with the behaviors that are observed.
Michel, G. F. (1981). Right-handedness: a consequence of infant supine head-orientation preference?. Science, 212(4495), 685-687.
Goodwin, R. S., & Michel, G. F. (1981). Head orientation position during birth and in infant neonatal period, and hand preference at nineteen weeks. Child Development, 819-826.