Experiential Influences on Cognitive Flexibility Development
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Authors
Olsen, Julie
Date
2024-09-06
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Executive Function , Cognitive Flexibility , Multidimensionality , Hierarchical Rules , Conceptual Development
Alternative Title
Abstract
Deploying behaviors in a manner sensitive to context can be referred to as “cognitive flexibility.” Cognitive flexibility is often measured with the dimensional change card sort (DCCS; Zelazo, 2006) task in which children must switch between two rules (e.g., colour and shape) for sorting cards. For young children, experience decomposing composite objects into their constituent dimensions (e.g., colour and shape) – referred to as multidimensional awareness – increased the probability of passing the standard DCCS (Bardikoff & Sabbagh, 2021). The current study explored whether providing a similar experience to older children may also help with performance on the advanced DCCS, an age-appropriate version of the task which incorporates hierarchical sorting rules.
We adapted the multidimensional exercise from Bardikoff and Sabbagh (2021). In a “multidimensionality-only” condition, 16 5-year-olds (M = 65.81, SD = 4.90) decomposed objects into their constituent dimensions. In a second, “multidimensionality + rules” condition, 16 5-year-olds (M = 65.31, SD = 5.19) were asked to vary the way they decomposed the objects based on an arbitrary cue. Unexpectedly, we found that children had significantly more difficulty with the “multidimensionality + rules” activity, suggesting that there may be fundamental limitations in children’s ability to use hierarchical rules in this way. Performance on the advanced DCCS did not differ between the conditions, b = -.537, z = -.728, p = .467. Additionally, there was no statistical difference from the expected baseline in either condition, though performance in the “multidimensionality-only” condition was trending towards an increased probability of passing. These findings will be discussed to further understand the influence of multidimensional experiences on the advanced DCCS.
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This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International