Preschool executive control on the Shape School Task: Measurement considerations and utility
Journal article
Pritchard, Verena E. and Woodward, Lianne J.. (2011). Preschool executive control on the Shape School Task: Measurement considerations and utility. Psychological Assessment. 23(1), pp. 31 - 43. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021095
Authors | Pritchard, Verena E. and Woodward, Lianne J. |
---|---|
Abstract | Executive functions (EF) necessary for purposeful goal-directed activities undergo rapid change and development during the preschool years. However, of the few psychometrically valid measures of EF suitable for use with preschoolers, information on task sensitivity and predictive validity is scant. The neurodevelopmental correlates of early executive difficulties are also largely unknown. In this study, the discriminant and predictive validity of the recently developed Shape School task (Espy, Bull, Martin, & Stroup, 2006) was examined with data from a regional sample of 209 preschool children at age 4 years. A 2-tiered measurement approach was used, with task completion examined in addition to efficiency. Children's performance was also examined in relation to functioning in a range of neurodevelopmental domains. The Shape School task showed some usefulness in capturing expected differences between at-risk and typically developing children. Performance loaded heavily on language and global cognitive abilities. However, several other factors were also implicated, including attention, motor skills, and ocular control. In addition, task completion and efficiency scores appeared to reflect different aspects of performance, and their associations with neurodevelopmental function and later academic achievement on the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement at age 6 years also differed. Implications for the application of the Shape School task are discussed. |
Keywords | Shape School task; academic achievement; executive control; neurodevelopmental correlates; validity |
Year | 2011 |
Journal | Psychological Assessment |
Journal citation | 23 (1), pp. 31 - 43 |
Publisher | American Psychological Association |
ISSN | 1939-134X |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021095 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-79952578513 |
Page range | 31 - 43 |
Research Group | Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education (ILSTE) |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
Place of publication | United States of America |
Editors | F. Yossef and B. S. Porath |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/853qx/preschool-executive-control-on-the-shape-school-task-measurement-considerations-and-utility
Restricted files
Publisher's version
108
total views0
total downloads2
views this month0
downloads this month