The counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context

dc.contributor.advisorLevett, A
dc.contributor.advisorLazarus, R
dc.contributor.authorMay, Michelle S
dc.date.accessioned2023-09-21T08:08:26Z
dc.date.available2023-09-21T08:08:26Z
dc.date.issued1993
dc.date.updated2023-09-21T07:25:14Z
dc.description.abstractHistorically, difference in performance across dominant and subordinate groups on tests of cognitive ability have been observed. Of particular importance is the underperformance of groups on tests. It is proposed that this results from the underlying assumptions of conventional tests. Contextual models (which argue that cognitive ability is socially determined) and research pertaining to Piagetian theory argue that understanding children's socio-ecological contexts, as well as their underlying cognitive processes, enhances assessment of cognitive ability/ competence. Additionally, the multitude of factors influencing performance in an intra- and intercultural assessment situation should be considered. A new test of cognitive ability based on Piagetian Genetic Epistemology, the Counter test, has been developed by Dr V. Grover. Previous exploratory research has indicated performance differences across designated racial groups attending different education systems. This research focuses on understanding performance (on the Counter Test) across "black" and "coloured" groups within the same education system. A fortuitous sampling technique was used to select a sample consisting of 20 "black" and 20 "coloured" children, aged 8 and 9 years. Demographic data was obtained to understand their socio-ecological context. They were administered the Draw-A-Man and Counter Test (first administration). Results obtained on the Counter Test indicated that designated racial group does not influence performance on the test (1 = 0.203, d.£ = 38, Q > 0.01) or significant underperformance within each group (1 = 6.901 "coloured", 1 = 9.68 "black", d.£= 19, l2. < 0.01). The latter is similar to findings on previous research. Possible explanations are given, but further vigorous investigations are indicated. On second administration, the unstandardized, structured steps based on Feuerstein's Learning Potential Assessment Device were administered to 14 children - criterion underperformance from 1 yr. 6mo to 2 yr. 9mo on the Counter test. The clinical interpretation of 6 children's performance across administrations enhanced understanding of their cognitive processes and the contingencies affecting their use and indicated overall improvement in performance. This indicates that "actual" competence can be assessed through more appropriate assessment procedures. Implications for assessment in a multi-cultural context are considered.
dc.identifier.apacitationMay, M. S. (1993). <i>The counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context</i>. (). ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38806en_ZA
dc.identifier.chicagocitationMay, Michelle S. <i>"The counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context."</i> ., ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38806en_ZA
dc.identifier.citationMay, M.S. 1993. The counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context. . ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38806en_ZA
dc.identifier.ris TY - Master Thesis AU - May, Michelle S AB - Historically, difference in performance across dominant and subordinate groups on tests of cognitive ability have been observed. Of particular importance is the underperformance of groups on tests. It is proposed that this results from the underlying assumptions of conventional tests. Contextual models (which argue that cognitive ability is socially determined) and research pertaining to Piagetian theory argue that understanding children's socio-ecological contexts, as well as their underlying cognitive processes, enhances assessment of cognitive ability/ competence. Additionally, the multitude of factors influencing performance in an intra- and intercultural assessment situation should be considered. A new test of cognitive ability based on Piagetian Genetic Epistemology, the Counter test, has been developed by Dr V. Grover. Previous exploratory research has indicated performance differences across designated racial groups attending different education systems. This research focuses on understanding performance (on the Counter Test) across "black" and "coloured" groups within the same education system. A fortuitous sampling technique was used to select a sample consisting of 20 "black" and 20 "coloured" children, aged 8 and 9 years. Demographic data was obtained to understand their socio-ecological context. They were administered the Draw-A-Man and Counter Test (first administration). Results obtained on the Counter Test indicated that designated racial group does not influence performance on the test (1 = 0.203, d.£ = 38, Q > 0.01) or significant underperformance within each group (1 = 6.901 "coloured", 1 = 9.68 "black", d.£= 19, l2. < 0.01). The latter is similar to findings on previous research. Possible explanations are given, but further vigorous investigations are indicated. On second administration, the unstandardized, structured steps based on Feuerstein's Learning Potential Assessment Device were administered to 14 children - criterion underperformance from 1 yr. 6mo to 2 yr. 9mo on the Counter test. The clinical interpretation of 6 children's performance across administrations enhanced understanding of their cognitive processes and the contingencies affecting their use and indicated overall improvement in performance. This indicates that "actual" competence can be assessed through more appropriate assessment procedures. Implications for assessment in a multi-cultural context are considered. DA - 1993 DB - OpenUCT DP - University of Cape Town KW - Contextual Models LK - https://open.uct.ac.za PY - 1993 T1 - The counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context TI - The counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context UR - http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38806 ER - en_ZA
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11427/38806
dc.identifier.vancouvercitationMay MS. The counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context. []. ,Faculty of Humanities ,Department of Psychology, 1993 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/38806en_ZA
dc.language.rfc3066eng
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Psychology
dc.publisher.facultyFaculty of Humanities
dc.subjectContextual Models
dc.titleThe counter test : assessment in a multi-cultural context
dc.typeMaster Thesis
dc.type.qualificationlevelMasters
dc.type.qualificationlevelMA
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