Digit reversal in children’s writing: A simple theory and its empirical validation

This article presents a simple theory according to which the left–right reversal of single digits by 5- and 6-year-old children is mainly due to the application of an implicit right-writing or -orienting rule. A number of nontrivial predictions can be drawn from this theory. First, left-oriented digits (1, 2, 3, 7, and 9) will be reversed more frequently than the other asymmetrical digits (4, 5, and 6). Second, for some pairs of digits, the correct writing of the preceding digit will statistically predict the reversal of the current digit and vice versa. Third, writing hand will have little effect on the frequency of reversals, and the relative frequencies with which children reverse the asymmetrical digits will be similar regardless of children’s preferred writing hand. Fourth, children who reverse the left-oriented digits the most are also those who reverse the other asymmetrical digits the least. An empirical study involving 367 5- and 6-year-olds confirmed these predictions.

► Left-hand writing poorly explains digit reversal in typically developing children.
► The digits 1, 2, 3, 7, and 9 are more often reversed than the digits 4, 5, and 6.
► Reversing 1, 2, 3, 7, and 9, correlates negatively with reversing 4, 5, and 6.
► When unsure, 5- to 6-year-olds use an implicit right-writing or orienting rule.