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Validational data on the Warwick Symbolic Play Test
1Department of Child Development and Primary Education, University of London, UK.
Summary
The Warwick Symbolic Play Test (WSPT) shows promise for assessing language skills in young children. It correlates with language measures, particularly in children under five, aiding in diagnosis and treatment of language disorders.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Linguistics
- Pediatric Assessment
Background:
- Symbolic play is crucial for child development.
- Assessing symbolic play and its relation to language is important for early identification of developmental issues.
- The Warwick Symbolic Play Test (WSPT) is a new tool for evaluating symbolic play.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the Warwick Symbolic Play Test (WSPT).
- To investigate the relationship between symbolic play and language skills in young children.
- To determine the WSPT's utility in identifying language disorders.
Main Methods:
- Administered the WSPT to 60 typically developing children (3-6 years old).
- Assessed expressive and receptive language using the Renfrew Action Picture Test and British Picture Vocabulary Scale.
- Analyzed correlations between play test scores and language measures, controlling for age.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were found between WSPT scores and both language measures.
- Partial correlations between play and language remained moderate after accounting for age.
- The play-language relationship was stronger in younger children (under 5) than older children.
Conclusions:
- The WSPT appears to be a valid instrument for assessing symbolic play.
- The WSPT, alongside functional play measures, can aid in assessing language ability.
- The WSPT is particularly useful for the assessment and diagnosis of language disorders in children under five.