Motivational Factors in the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test

Zigler et al.'s (1973) hypothesis that economically disadvantaged children's performance on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test is impaired because of their wariness in test situations was tested with 5- and 10-year old Maori and Pakeha New Zealand children. In contrast to Zigler et al.'s findings, no significant test-retest gains were found with the Peabody. However, the performance of lower-class Maori children, but not Pakeha children, was depressed in an interpersonally "cool" testing condition, suggesting that Maori children do suffer more wariness than Pakehas. The educational implications of this result are discussed.