The symbols included single strokes, geometric figures, printed English alphabet letters, simple Chinese characters, and a plain signature, each of which contained one or two designated target characteristics. The results showed that the subjects concentrated on each symbol's eye-catching features, while often ignoring the more inconspicuous diagnostic characteristics. Structural detail and subtle features such as the writing direction of a circle were overlooked by the participants, who did not appreciate the finer and more delicate features of the writing symbols they were imitating. These findings appear to confirm previous research that has documented the mental and physical stresses that forgers experience when simulating another's signature. 11 tables, 2 figures, and 7 references