Validation of a Group Embedded Figures Test for young children

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Educational Psychology

Background:

• Field-dependence/independence is a key cognitive style.
• Existing measures are often individually administered, limiting large-scale assessment.
• A need exists for group-administered tools for younger children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a group-administered measure of field-dependence/independence for early elementary children.
• To assess the reliability and concurrent validity of the new measure.
• To provide a research instrument for young children's cognitive style.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Children's Group Embedded Figures Test--Level 1.
• Concurrent validation using a second-grade sample (N = 77).
• Comparison with the Children's Embedded Figures Test and Portable Rod-and-frame Test.

Main Results:

• The Children's Group Embedded Figures Test--Level 1 demonstrated good reliability (alpha = .84).
• Significant correlations were found with individually administered tests (r = .56 and r = .57).
• The measure is suitable for group administration in young children.

Conclusions:

• The Children's Group Embedded Figures Test--Level 1 is a reliable and valid measure.
• This tool facilitates the assessment of cognitive style in early elementary students.
• It offers a practical alternative for group-based research on cognitive styles.