Developmental normative data for the Baron-Hopkins Board test of spatial location memory

Abstract

Developmentally appropriate domain-specific tests with strong psychometric properties for preschoolers are lacking and infrequently developed. Baron’s modification of the Hopkins Board test (B-HB) to assess spatial location learning and recall in 3- and 6-year-old children has shown promise in the study of young children born prematurely. Current study data were analyzed on 172 typically developing children at age 3 years and 193 at age 6 years, born at term (≥ 37 weeks; ≥ 2500 grams). Statistically significant gender differences were found and data stratification of T-scores and percentile ranks are provided for each of the eight B-HB measures. The B-HB’s strong interrater reliability (99.5%), low-to-moderate test-retest reliability across the 3-year age span, Pearson correlations showing criterion validity, and differential functioning from other selective attention and visuospatial/visuoperceptual tests provide initial normative data for this novel measure of spatial location memory in young children.

Keywords:

• Working memory
• Spatial memory
• Preschool
• Cognitive assessment
• Neuropsychological test

We thank Jason Brandt, PhD, for his generosity in allowing modification of one of his tests, and we are especially grateful to the many parents and children who found time in their busy days to volunteer for Fairfax Neonatal Associates’ PETIT study.