DEVELOPMENT OF CONCEPT UTILIZATION

Investigated the development of concept usage in 5 age groups totaling 60 normal Ss (5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 yr. old) using pictures of reality objects contained in the Test of Concept Utilization. The 5 concept categories investigated, color, shape, relational function, homogeneous function, abstract function, were verbally expressed by the Ss. Results showed that (1) significant differences in concept growth across age for shape, relational function, homogeneous function, and abstract function; (2) significant differences in usage among the concepts within each age; and (3) relative stability of concept usage across content, examiner, and time. It is concluded that although concept usage is age related the high variability, especially at earlier ages, may be due in part to factors of cognitive style, indicating a need for further research. (35 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.