As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, we are often tasked with evaluating children's developmental progress through standardized psychological assessments. These assessments are critical in determining the need for interventions and support. However, the recent research article titled Find the Hidden Object. Understanding Play in Psychological Assessments by Fasulo, Shukla, and Bennett, provides valuable insights into the nuances of administering these assessments, particularly the Bayley Scale of Infant and Toddler Development.
The study focuses on the interaction between a practitioner and a 23-month-old child with Down syndrome during the administration of the "Find the hidden object" task. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the interactional dynamics and the role of play in assessments. Here are some key takeaways that can help improve your assessment practices:
- Engagement Through Play: The study shows that using child-directed communication features, such as a playful voice and marked intonation, can significantly enhance a child's engagement during assessments. This approach can make the child more responsive and cooperative.
- Modeling Success: The research highlights the importance of modeling successful behaviors. By marking out successful actions with positive reinforcement, practitioners can help children understand the task's requirements better. For instance, praising the child for grabbing the bracelet can reinforce the desired behavior.
- Interactional Significance: The objects used in assessments, such as the bracelet and facecloths in the Bayley Scale, can have different affordances for children. Understanding that these objects might not always suggest a unique course of action to the child is crucial. Practitioners should be prepared to guide and interpret the child's actions contextually.
- Balancing Play and Instruction: The study argues that while play is inherently exploratory and inventive, assessments often border on instructional activities. Practitioners should aim to maintain a balance, allowing some level of exploration while providing clear guidance to achieve the task's objectives.
Implementing these insights can lead to more effective and meaningful assessments, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for children. The study also encourages further research into the interactional aspects of assessments to refine our understanding and practices continually.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Find the Hidden Object. Understanding Play in Psychological Assessments.
