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MA changes in institutionalized Down's syndrome persons: a semi-longitudinal approach.
American Journal of Mental Deficiency
|March 1, 1978
Summary
This study replicated earlier findings on mental age (MA) changes in institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities. Results showed similar developmental curve shapes but different heights between Down syndrome and matched groups.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Intellectual Disability Research
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Understanding developmental trajectories in institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities is crucial.
- Previous research (Fisher & Zeaman, 1970) established baseline findings on mental age (MA) changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To partially replicate and validate the findings of Fisher & Zeaman (1970).
- To examine mental age progression in institutionalized individuals with Down syndrome and a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- A semi-longitudinal research design was utilized.
- Growth curves were fitted to mental age (MA) data.
- Multiple regression/correlation analysis was performed for group comparison.
Main Results:
- The developmental curves for both groups exhibited similar shapes, indicating comparable patterns of MA progression.
- Significant differences in the height of the curves were observed, suggesting variations in overall MA levels between the groups.
- The findings generally supported the results of the original Fisher & Zeaman study.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the generalizability of previous findings on MA changes in institutionalized individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Developmental trajectories, while similar in pattern, can differ in absolute levels between specific etiological groups like Down syndrome.