Attention and intelligence: The validity of the Star Counting Test.

Abstract

The mechanisms underlying performance on the Star Counting Test (SCT) and its nomothetic span were investigated along with the relationships between working memory capacity, fluid intelligence (Gf), speed, and school achievement. The SCT is an attention test for children that requires the alternation of forward and backward counting. The test is based on A. D. Baddeley and G. J. Hitch's (1974) model of working memory in conjunction with D. A. Norman and T. Shallice's (1986) theory of central executive functioning. Tests were administered to 1,122 boys and 1100 girls in 4th grade from 111 Dutch schools. The SCT required flexible alternation, counting speed, and sustained effort. Factor analysis showed that the SCT forms one factor with other indicators of working memory capacity. There was also a strong association between working memory capacity and Gf. The two clearly differ, however, in their relation to speed.

Developmental patterns of relationships between inhibitory control and reading skill in early-school children

“…Hence, our results did not support Ober's conception assumptions, and they are also opposed to those of longitudinal studies conducted by Altemeier, Abbott, and Berninger (2008), in which executive functions directly influenced reading over the initial four grades of elementary school in USA (see also : Jabłoński, 2013). Also, they are inconsistent with the results of De Jong ' and Das-Smaal (1995), where attentional control correlated significantly with reading comprehension even in fourth-graders. Such a surprising outcome has at least three possible (and complementary) explanations.…”

Intelligence and Cognitive Control

“…There is some work elaborating on the arguments suggesting a relationship between controlled attention respectively executive attention and intelligence (Heitz et al). Furthermore, there are several studies suggesting a substantial relationship of controlled attention respectively executive attention on one hand and intelligence on the other hand starting with the study by de Jong and Das-Small's (1995). Their Star Counting Test as measure of controlled attention respectively executive attention has repeatedly been demonstrated as contributing to the prediction of intelligence (e.g.…”

Developmental dyslexia: Related to specific or general deficits?

“…The Star Counting test was originally developed by De Jong and Das-Smaal (1995) and has 22 items on which the participant is allowed to work for a total of 30 minutes. The score is number of items correctly solved.…”