Attention test battery for eight to ten-year-olds
As part of the research project to develop a series of internet-based diagnostic test systems to analyze precursor skills in primary school pupils, zepf created a test battery to record attention as a first step. This computer-based test is aimed at pupils aged eight to ten years.
Background to the procedure:
Attention as a cognitive ability is one of the predictors of long-term success at school. In addition, a lack of concentration or attention is cited by teachers in studies as the most common behavioral and learning difficulty experienced by their pupils. A clinically relevant attention disorder in the form of attention (hyperactivity) disorder or hyperkinetic disorder is present in around 3% of all pupils in the 8 to 10 age group. However, the abnormalities are not always serious enough for a clinical diagnosis to be made. But even less pronounced abnormalities can have an impact on successful learning. This makes it necessary to have a diagnostic tool that can identify the potential impact of difficulties on school performance at an early stage. This seems particularly relevant before the transition to secondary school in order to be able to introduce targeted interventions in good time.
The newly developed test battery has the following advantages over existing procedures:
It captures several types of attention that are relevant to everyday school life.
The test is predominantly language-free (pictures as stimuli, instructions are read aloud), so that there is no disadvantage for pupils with learning difficulties, partial performance disorders or with German as a non-dominant language. Comprehension of the instructions is ensured through practice sessions.