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Bender-Gestalt developmental scores: predicting reading and mathematics achievement.
Psychological Reports
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Children of low birthweight showed lower academic achievement and intelligence. The Bender-Gestalt test was more effective in predicting reading and math skills for this group compared to normal birthweight children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Neuropsychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Low birthweight is associated with potential developmental challenges.
- Understanding predictors of academic achievement in low birthweight children is crucial for early intervention.
- Perceptual-motor skills and intelligence are key factors in academic success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive utility of perceptual-motor skills and intelligence on academic achievement in children of low birthweight.
- To compare the academic performance and cognitive abilities of low birthweight children with normal birthweight peers.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Bender-Gestalt test in predicting reading and mathematics achievement.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study of two groups of children (low birthweight vs. normal birthweight), aged 6-12 years.
- Utilized Bender-Gestalt test for perceptual-motor assessment.
- Administered Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) for reading and mathematics scores.
- Assessed intelligence using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) Full Scale IQ.
Main Results:
- Children of low birthweight demonstrated significantly lower Bender-Gestalt scores, reading achievement, and IQs compared to normal birthweight children.
- Bender-Gestalt scores showed greater predictive power for academic achievement in the low birthweight group.
- Intelligence (WISC-R IQ) was also a significant factor, but Bender scores offered unique predictive value.
Conclusions:
- Perceptual-motor deficits, as measured by the Bender-Gestalt test, are more strongly linked to academic underachievement in low birthweight children.
- The Bender-Gestalt test serves as a valuable tool for identifying at-risk low birthweight children needing academic support.
- Early identification and intervention focusing on perceptual-motor development may improve academic outcomes for children born with low birthweight.