The Factorial Analysis of Perceptual and Abstract Reasoning Abilities in Tests of Concrete Operational Thought

Abstract

In a previous analysis with 180 first, second and third grade children it was found that recently developed measures of concrete operational thought require simultaneous information integration with the most salient marker variable for this process being the Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Reanalysis of the data was done through using a differentiated method of scoring the CPM, which was based on the factorially determined structure of the test. Factor analysis of all test scores indicated that primarily perceptual abilities are required for solution of the Piagetian tests, although abstract reasoning is involved in the solution of matrices and in conservation of substance (equivalence) tasks.

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