Effects of ball size, ball color, and preferred color on catching by young children.

45 males and 45 females between 7 and 8 years of age were acquired to catch rubber playground balls which varied in both size and color. Prior to the administration of the criterion catch test, subjects indicated their choice for a preferred color ball. Analysis indicated that the 6-in. balls (diameter) were caught significantly better than were 10-in. balls. Although the main effect of ball color was nonsignificant, the children caught balls of preferred color significantly better than those of non-preferred colors. Males scored significantly higher than the females on the catching task.