Abstract

In an earlier study, Gramza and Witt (1969) examined choices of colored blocks in the play of 4- and 5-yr.-old normal children. The present study investigated the responses of a group of Mongoloid children presented with the same colored blocks. Only limited behavioral research has been done with Mongoloids and apparently no investigation has focused upon color preferences or block play in Mongolo~d children. The objectives of this study were to provide comparative data concerning the effects of color on block choices of Mongoloids and to examine block play itself in Mongoloid children. The test group consisted of 5 males and G females with a CA range of 66 to 95 mo. (144 = 81.5 mo.), an MA range of 23 to 53 mo. (M = 33.5 mo.) and an IQ (StanfordBinet Scale) range of < 30 to 56. Each was given Trials I, 11, and IV (limited availability of Ss prompted arbitrary exclusion of Trial 111) using red, blue, green and gray blocks exactly as described by Gramza and Witt (1969); as in the earlier study, blocks were presented in single color piles in Trials I and I1 while one multicolor block pile was presented in Trial IV. The only modifications of the earlier experimental method were verbal instructions were given at the imitative as well as the receptive language level and a passive instructor remained in the room with S during each session. No significant indications of preference for any one color or position were detected in Ss' use of blocks. In Trials I and I1 when single color piles were presented, in 7 of 17 cases where Ss made block choices, only a single color was used in each case; in the multicolor pile presentation of Trial IV, in all 9 cases where Ss chose blocks, more than one color was used. No clear trend was present in the number of blocks used per S/per trial. The following two major patterns were observed in the use Ss made of the blocks: G Ss (MA range 26 to 38 mo.) used blocks in a nonstructured fashion and in this group 2 Ss vigorously threw and scattered blocks about the test room while 4 SS simply relocated blocks in a manner thar lacked any discernable order; 5 Ss (MA range 23 to 53 mo.) used blocks in an ordered way which resulted in linear, square and vertically stacked groupings.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.