The design and administration of a culture-free objective test of pattern perception

Abstract

The aim of the research Just completed has been the construction of a reliable and valid test of pattern perception devoid of cultural influences and requiring no verbal skills beyond the ability to comprehend instructions.Designing a test is a unique kind of experience, presenting problems which are not immediately observable to the naive neophite. The selection of stimuli is one such problem. It is necessary to choose a simple, culture-free stimulus in order not to complicate results with uncontrollable variables. The decision to use the circle, or dot, is based upon the fact that it is a figure familiar to all cultural groups and would, thus, serve as a constant. To differentiate one circle from another, a black and white combination was employed. Colors were avoided because nothing would be gained by using them; they would only introduce unnecessary variables. The following pages will elaborate on the design and the various revisions which led up to the present instrument.