The behaviour of Down's syndrome children using the 'Lock Box': a research note

A Lock Box for investigating problem-solving behaviour in pre-schoolers was used with seventeen Down's syndrome children (mean CA 37.4 months, S.D. 10.1 months) and seventeen 'normal' children (mean CA 37.4 months, S.D. 10.2 months) while their mothers were present. The behaviour was found to be different for the two groups, with the normal children showing greater competence, more organization and less perseverance. Significant associations between Lock Box measures and the mental age of the Down's syndrome children paralleled those reported by Goodman for older mentally retarded children in a test situation without the mother. The Lock Box is especially appropriate for assessing the ability of language-delayed children and it is suggested that a situation with the mother present may extend its usefulness with very young children.