If you can't grab it, it won't grab you: The effect of restricting the dominant hand on target evaluations

This research examines whether and how holding one object influences evaluations of another. Across four studies, we find that occupying the dominant (vs. non-dominant) hand leads to lower evaluations of the target object; further, process data suggests that this effect occurs because dominant hand restriction impairs the ease with which the perceiver simulates holding the target. Boundary conditions that document effect attenuation and reversal are also consistent with this premise. Collectively, the studies offer support for a circular chain of influence between the perception and action systems.

► People often evaluate a target object while holding another object in their hand. ► This evaluation will be lower if dominant (vs. non-dominant) hand is occupied. ► This is because it becomes harder to imagine holding the target. ► This effect disappears if the target is not graspable. ► This effect is reversed if the object being held facilitates use of the target.