Abstract
This study evaluated the validity of the Quantitative Assessment of Pre-Writing Skills (QAPS) as a new tablet tool for assessing prewriting skills among children. QAPS scores showed significant correlation with the Beery–Buktenica Development Test of Visual–Motor Integration.
Primary Author and Speaker: Grace Morrill
Additional Authors and Speakers: Virginia W. Chu
Contributing Authors: Marcia Winter, Daniel Cranston, Jonathon Jacobs
This study was conducted to evaluate the validity of the Quantitative Assessment of Prewriting Skills (QAPS) as an alternative online assessment for evaluating sensorimotor and visual motor skills with use of a tablet.The use of the tablet would improve standardization of prewriting skills, by monitoring finger positions and then evaluating dimensions of pattern copying. [1] After QAPS scores were calculated, the nine dimensions of the QAPS were compared to subsections of the Beery- Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, 6th ed. (VMI) to assess construct validity. The study is a cross-sectional observational design, with convenience sampling where twenty-two children, aged three years and older (3-5 years n = 9, 6-9 years n = 13, mean 5.5 years, SD = 1.78 years, 68% female) were recruited while visiting the Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR.) Children were observed in CMoR’s Living Lab. Inclusion criteria required children to be above age three and their guardians be proficient in English. The findings indicate a moderate positive correlation between QAPS and overall VMI results. Of the nine dimensions of the QAPS, the two with the most significant correlation were, roundness of a drawn circle, (rho = 0.5366, p = 0.0179) and bisection symmetry of a cross (rho = 0.5392, p = 0.0172.) Age is a significant predictor in QAPS scores. The 6-9yr age group scored on average 2.17 points higher on overall scores (p = 0.0268). [2] The QAPS was shown to have good concurrent validity compared to the VMI and criterion validity in detecting age-related development in prewriting skills. Our results also showed that roundness and bisection were the driving dimensions of prewriting skill development.The QAPS is a promising alternative assessment, but can be improved through further testing and larger sample sizes.
Chu, V., & Krishnan, K. (2022). Quantitative Assessment of Prewriting Skills in Children: The Development and Validation of a Tablet Assessment Tool. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 129(3), 554–569. https://doi.org/10.1177/00315125221087802
Maldarelli, J. E., Kahrs, B. A., Hunt, S. C., & Lockman, J. J. (2015). Development of Early Handwriting: Visual-Motor Control During Letter Copying. Developmental Psychology, 51(7), 879. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0039424