A thesis conclusion on the research of handwriting analysis based on the slope of lines.

This paper is divided into three parts. The first section is the outline of the paper. The outline was used to organize the thoughts, and make sure that the paper stayed on topic and in order. The second section is the body of the paper, and then the third section is the works cited. The works cited explains exactly where I found my information to write this paper.

I. Central Idea/Theme: While there are many critics claim the practice is impractical, there are many more support the use of handwriting analysis based on the inference of character from a person's handwriting. However, the technique has a long way to go before it is to considered valid.

II. Topic Sentence 1: Handwriting analysis is the “inference of character from a person's handwriting.” (graphology 1)

III. Topic Sentence 2: Handwriting analysis has its supporters who claim it is valid.

IV. Topic Sentence 3: Handwriting analysis also has many critics.

V. Conclusion: Handwriting analysis has both its believers and skeptics, but more conclusive research needs to prove the validity of this practice before it is continues to be used with such blind faith.

Validity of Handwriting Analysis

Handwriting analysis, or graphology, is a practice that has a widespread influence. It is practiced by many people, and in many different situations. While there are many critics that claim the practice is impractical, there are many more who support the use of handwriting analysis based on the inference of character from a person's handwriting. However, the technique has a long way to mature before it is to considered valid.

Handwriting analysis is the “inference of character from a person's handwriting.” (graphology) Handwriting analysis is used in the court room as forensic evidence (Heinecke 38), in jury selection(Jaksic 2), and by human resources sections of companies when they are hiring new employees (JOBS). These sectors hire handwriting analysis consultants who judge the handwriting according the pressure used when writing, the slope of the letters, the angles of the curves, space between words and the fluid or shakiness of the the words (Heinecke 2). After carefully looking at these factors, a certifiedhandwriting analyzer can tell specific traits that the writer has.

Handwriting analysis has plenty of supporters who claim that the practice is valid. In fact, there are companies who let a computer program that analyzes handwriting influence their decisions on who they hire or what position they place a new employee (Heinecke 24). There are even supporters who are as radically as to say that this “science” can make them an”expert at understanding personalities” just by looking at a person's handwriting (This 1). Of course there are people with a less radical stand point. One study has shown that though traditional handwriting analysis, or handwriting analysis that deals with personality traits, may not be completely consistent with its findings. However this study shows that handwriting analysis can be used to identify neurologica lconditions (Persuad 11). The study goes on to list the many different conditions that can possibly be located early in life. They include: “multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder.” (13) It is important to remember that most critics attack traditional handwriting analysis, and medical handwriting analysis is an exciting new breakthrough that is usually spoken of seperately.

Handwriting analysis also has many critics. In an article by New Scientist reporter, Raj Persaud, he claims that there have been “to date more than 200 objective scientific studies have concluded the technique [of handwriting analysis] is of no practical value.” (2) Mr. Persaud is not the only reporter sharing the feeling that handwriting analysis has not been consistently proven as being the most valid form of evidence for a person's character. The fight for this information to be recognized seems to be occur most frequently and strongly in the court system. Sylvia Hsieh quotes a 2009 report from the National Academy of sciences when she explains that, “the report said that aside from DNA analysis, no forensic method has been vigorously shown to consistently and with a high degree of certainty, demonstrate a connection between evidence and a specific individual or source.” Yet even with reports such as these, handwriting analysis is still being used in the court system. It is being used not only as for trials, but also in choosing peers for the jury (Jaksic).

Handwriting analysis has both its believers and skeptics. It can give hints or clues to parts of a person, but it has not proven that it can accurately give in depth pictures of a person's abilities or personality. More conclusive research needs to prove the validity of this practice before it is continues to be used with such blind faith. If experts insist on using traditional handwriting analysis it is imperative to use it with other things, and not let a decision reside solely on how hard a person presses down on paper with their pen.

you think." New Scientist 173.2333 (2002): 40+. Student Resource Center - Gold. Web. 28 June 2010.

"This woman has made all the 'write' moves; Mythili Iyer offers consultancy on graphology and operates her own consultancy firm." DNA [Daily News & Analysis] 25 Dec. 2009. General OneFile. Web. 28 June 2010.

Works Cited

"graphology." © Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.. Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.. 30 Jun. 2010. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/graphology>.

Heinecke, Jeannine. "Characters reveal character." Law Enforcement Technology 34.10 (2007): 174+. General OneFile. Web. 28 June 2010.

Hsieh, Sylvia. "Report gives lawyers new argument to keep out forensic evidence." Minnesota Lawyer (2009). General OneFile. Web. 28 June 2010.

Jaksic, Vesna. "Jury selection tool." Miami Daily Business Review (2007). General OneFile. Web. 28 June 2010.

"JOBS: A test of strengths." Travel Trade Gazette UK & Ireland (2009): 67. General OneFile. Web. 28 June 2010.

Persaud, Raj. "You are what you write: Study after study has shown that graphology is bunk. But it could still reveal more about you than