Individual differences in children's production of scale errors
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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools
Published on: June 20, 2020
Karl S Rosengren1, Stevie S Schein, Isabel T Gutiérrez
1Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, 2029 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60208, United States. k-rosengren@northwestern.edu
Abstract:
Individual differences in the production and persistence of committing scale errors were examined in children (age range 18-29 months) attending a laboratory preschool. Miniature replica toys were placed in the classrooms during three 20-min observation periods for 10 weeks. The majority of the children (88%, n=24) performed scale errors providing confirmation in a different setting (than presented in previous research) that most young children commit these behaviors. Large individual differences were found in the frequency and persistence of committing scale errors. Extended exposure to the replica items increased the number of scale errors, though the frequency of scale errors decreased over the entire observation period.
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