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Online Testing Yields the Same Results as Lab Testing: A Validation Study With the False Belief Task
Lydia Paulin Schidelko1, Britta Schünemann1, Hannes Rakoczy1
1Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 1, 2021
Summary
Online testing is a valid alternative for developmental research, replicating in-lab results with a low-cost, easy method. This approach ensures reliable data collection for children
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Online testing has surged in developmental research due to pandemic restrictions.
- Key challenges include data validity and implementation costs/complexity.
- A need exists for accessible, valid online research methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a low-cost, easy-to-implement online testing approach for developmental research.
- To assess the replicability of in-lab findings using this novel online method.
- To compare children's performance on a false belief task online versus in-lab.
Main Methods:
- Two online studies were conducted with 3- and 4-year-old children.
- Participants completed online versions of the change-of-location false belief task.
- Performance was compared against established in-lab data.
Main Results:
- The online method successfully replicated the typical developmental performance patterns observed in in-lab studies.
- Children's performance on the false belief task online mirrored in-lab results.
- The novel online procedure demonstrated high validity.
Conclusions:
- The proposed interactive online testing method is a valid and accessible alternative to traditional in-lab settings.
- This approach overcomes cost and coding barriers in online developmental research.
- It facilitates continued and reliable developmental research remotely.
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