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Revealing hidden talents : the development, use, and benefit of VESPARCH
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Badger, Julia and Mellanby, Jane (2018) Revealing hidden talents : the development, use, and benefit of VESPARCH. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 88 (3). pp. 380-395. doi:10.1111/bjep.12189 ISSN 0007-0998.
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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12189
Abstract
Background
School attainment tests and Cognitive Abilities Tests are used in the United Kingdom to set targets for educational outcome. Whilst these are good predictors, they depend not only on basic ability but also on learnt knowledge and skills, such as reading.
Method and Aims
VESPARCH is an online group test of verbal and spatial reasoning, which we propose gives a measure that more closely approximates to basic ability – fluid intelligence. The verbal test contains highly familiar words, does not require the child to read them, is untimed, and provides detailed feedback on five practice questions for each part of the test. The tests – one suitable and standardized for children aged 7–9 years and one for children aged 10–12 years – have good test–retest reliability and validity and conform to the Rasch model. Comparison of VESPARCH scores with school attainment measures allows identification of those students who are underachieving academically relative to their potential. The matched nature of the verbal and spatial tests allows reasoning ability in the two domains to be compared; those with much higher spatial scores might be expected to do well in STEM subjects.
Conclusion
VESPARCH can be used alongside current school tests to ensure targeted teaching and encouragement for every child.
Item Type: | Journal Article | ||||
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Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) | ||||
Journal or Publication Title: | British Journal of Educational Psychology | ||||
Publisher: | The British Psychological Society | ||||
ISSN: | 0007-0998 | ||||
Official Date: | September 2018 | ||||
Dates: |
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Volume: | 88 | ||||
Number: | 3 | ||||
Page Range: | pp. 380-395 | ||||
DOI: | 10.1111/bjep.12189 | ||||
Status: | Peer Reviewed | ||||
Publication Status: | Published | ||||
Access rights to Published version: | Restricted or Subscription Access |
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