The Nine Box Maze Test: A measure of spatial memory development in children

This study investigates the development of visuo-spatial memory in school-aged children, as measured by the Nine Box Maze Test Child Version (NBMT-CV). This task, originally developed for adults by, utilises an allocentric framework to assess the complexities of spatial memory. Sixty children participated in this study (aged 5-12 years), which also involved administration of traditional 'non-verbal' memory tests. Results indicate that visuo-spatial memory develops across childhood and that the NBMT-CV taps distinct skills compared to other 'non-verbal' memory tasks. The theoretical, assessment and developmental issues raised by these findings are discussed.