Overview & Description:

Graphology is the study of handwriting, particularly when employed as a technique to make inferences about a person’s character, personality, or abilities. It’s worth noting that while graphology has enthusiasts and practitioners, it’s generally considered pseudoscientific by the mainstream scientific community.

Key Points:

1. Analysis Methods: Graphologists might look at slant, pressure, size, spacing, and other characteristics of handwriting.
2. Criticism: Most studies have found that graphology is not a reliable tool for assessing personality or predicting job performance.
3. Use Cases: Despite the skepticism, some businesses and individuals still use graphology, particularly in certain cultural contexts.

Implications:

1. Hiring Practices: Companies should be cautious when using graphology as a decision-making tool in hiring.
2. Bias and Misjudgment: Relying on graphology can lead to potential biases or misjudgments about individuals based on their handwriting.

References:

• Neter, E., & Ben-Shakhar, G. (1989). The predictive validity of graphological inferences: A meta-analytic approach. Personality and Individual Differences, 10(7), 737-745.