Early Cognitive Functioning: Sex and Race Differences

Abstract

Six scales of early cognitive functioning were administered at three times (eight months, four and seven years) to 3013 black and white, male and female children. Hypotheses addressed the nature and extent of longitudinal sex differences in cognitive abilities among racial groups varying in physical maturation. Controlling for selected socioeconomic influences, a slight sex by race interaction was found at four and seven years. Generally, white females scored somewhat lower on cognitive tests than white males, whereas black females scored equivalently or somewhat higher than black males. Test score differences among the four sex and race groups were more apparent in seven-year spatial abilities relative to verbal abilities. Findings are discussed in terms of possible maturational and environmental influences on cognitive abilities among different sex and race groups.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Deborah Denno

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.

Steven Aurand

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.