Knot‐Tying Habits, Tier Handedness, and Experience*

Abstract

Previous research concerning tier handedness, experience and the configuration of simple, habitual knots has been scant and conflicting. Survey data were collected from 21 disparate groups comprising 562 respondents in total. Regardless of experience, respondents tied both Granny and Reef Knots. Dextral tying was dominated by S knots. Left-handers tied Z knots more frequently than right-handers. However, the frequency of S and Z knots relative to tier hand dominance, which is not binary, occurred on a continuum. Averaging all survey tasks, more than 70% of knots tied by dextrals were S, whereas only 56% of those tied by sinistrals were S. These percentages varied somewhat according to specific tying tasks and the number of working ends. Furthermore, tiers' shoelace and parcel knots were not always identical, and a ranked pattern in parcel and shoelace knots was revealed. The examination of habitual knots could benefit criminal investigations.

Analysing knot evidence: associating innate habits with sophisticated tying tasks

“…(A previously published analysis of basic knot-tying habits indicated a subtle, complex and nonbinary relationship between the chiralities of fundamental, innately-tied knots and tier handedness [3]. )…”

“…2 These books are the work of two authors. 3 Just a sample of the knots presented in these major references are tabulated. 4 The books listed are specialized climbing monographs featuring the Figure Eight Knot and Bowline.…”

“…Based on years of case work and qualitative observations, one of many questions keeps recurring [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. To what extent do innate tying habits affect more sophisticated tying skills?…”

“…Most ligatures found at crime scenes are secured with basic Overhand Knots, Half Hitches, Half Knots and combinations or variations or these structures (Figures 1-3) [1][2][3]. Knots that indicate some level of tying sophistication and expertise are rarely encountered [4][5][6].…”

“…One of the challenges in undertaking research of this nature is the paucity of individuals in the general population who know how to tie any knots more complex than basic shoelace and packaging or binding knots, which are tied without the benefit of extensive training or skill [1][2][3][4].…”