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Questionnaire of executive function for dancers: an ecological approach
Alina Wong1, Mabel Rodríguez, Liliana Quevedo
1University of Havana, Havana, Cuba. befonw@gmail.com
Assessment
|January 27, 2011
Summary
This study introduces the Ballet Executive Scale (BES), a new self-rating tool for assessing executive functions (EF) in adolescent dancers. The BES demonstrates good reliability and validity, highlighting culture
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- The ecological validity of traditional executive function (EF) tests is debated.
- Existing EF assessments may not capture context-specific behaviors relevant to specialized communities.
- Classical ballet demands complex cognitive skills that could be uniquely measured.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Ballet Executive Scale (BES), a self-rating questionnaire.
- To assess executive functions within the specific cultural context of adolescent ballet students.
- To explore the relationship between cultural internalization and EF development.
Main Methods:
- Development of the Ballet Executive Scale (BES), a self-report questionnaire.
- Administration of the BES to 149 adolescent students at the Cuban Ballet School.
- Statistical analyses including reliability (Cronbach's alpha, Spearman-Brown), exploratory factor analysis, and linear regression for concurrent validity.
Main Results:
- The BES demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .80) and split-half reliability (r(SB) = .81).
- Exploratory factor analysis revealed a bifactorial structure with significant self-regulation (40% variance) and developmental (20% variance) components.
- BES scores showed concurrent validity, correlating significantly with academic records.
Conclusions:
- The Ballet Executive Scale (BES) is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring executive functions in adolescent ballet dancers.
- EF assessment can be enhanced by considering specific cultural contexts and behaviors.
- Cultural internalization appears to mediate the development of executive functions.
