The Internet Vocabulary Test for Children: preliminary development

Abstract

PurposeCurrently, the only mechanisms to determine children's use of the Internet are interviews and questionnaires. To increase the validity of theory and research and ensure that practitioners and policy‐makers are guided by accurate information, an improved method of determining children's patterns of Internet use is required. The purpose of this study is to present the Internet Vocabulary Test for Children (IVTC) as a measure of Internet use in children.Design/methodology/approachThe IVTC requires oral definition of ten terms (Internet, gamer, e‐mail, search engine, chat, online games, instant messaging, cheats, web site, browser). An elementary school in rural western Canada agreed to participate in trial administration of the IVTC. All children in first through sixth grade were invited to participate (n=149). Parents completed a consent form and a questionnaire. A total of 128 children (62 males and 66 females) were administered the IVTC.FindingsTrial administration of the IVTC established the viability of determining children's use of the Internet with a test of expressive vocabulary.Originality/valueGiven the rate of population penetration coupled with rapidly changing technology, measuring children's Internet use presents challenges. Simple solutions such as the development of software and firmware to monitor children's online behavior may provide misinformation. That is, surveillance influences behavior and children's Internet activities often involve multiple users. The IVTC is not vulnerable to biased responding, is inexpensive, and easily administered.