The Direction of Slant and Horizontal Stroke as Potential Suggestive Markers for the Determination of Handedness

Abstract

Background: The task of document examiners is very challenging, as they need to gather all the relevant facts to make an informed decision regarding the questioned document. In the present study, a total of 300 handwriting samples from 100 different writers (involving 50 right-handed and 50 left-handed) were collected at Bundelkhand University, Jhansi. Slant and stroke, as characteristic features of handwriting, were visually examined under a stereomicroscope to ascertain the handedness. Methods: Slants and Strokes as characteristic features were analyzed in a total of 300 handwriting samples collected from 50 left-handed and 50 right-handed writers of age 17–22 years. A reference text comprising three pangram sentences printed on A4 paper and a blue ball point pen was used for sampling. Results: The data collected during the study were analyzed using a statistical method (Chi-square test) and revealed that the left-handed writers (LHWs) had a significantly (P < 0.05) different writing style than the right-handed ones. Results indicated that LHWs are more likely to make strokes in the right-to-left direction and slant of letters in the backward direction, while right-handed writers make strokes in the left-to-right direction and slant of letters in the forward direction. Conclusions: The findings of the study showed valuable insight and highlighted the significance of the direction of slant and horizontal stroke as potential indicators for the determination of handedness.

Keywords

• forensic science
• handedness
• handwriting stroke
• questioned document
• slant