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An exploration of random generation among children
Author(s) -
Towse John N.,
Mclachlan Amy
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
british journal of developmental psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.062
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 2044-835X
pISSN - 0261-510X
DOI - 10.1348/026151099165348
Subject(s) - psychology , developmental psychology
The generation of random sequences is known to be a complex, demanding and effortful task for adults. This study explores random generation performance among children in three experiments. Expt 1 illustrates 8‐10‐year‐olds’ sensitivity to response speed requirements. Expt 2 shows that 8‐11‐year‐olds were sensitive to the number of response alternatives, while there was equivalence in output quality over two types of instructional formats. Expt 3 reveals competencies in performance among 5‐7‐year‐olds and shows that response repetitions are partly amenable to instructional emphasis. Across comparable studies, analysis confirmed a multidimensional structure to response sets. Generally, data show the potential utility of random generation as a developmental task with substantial and multifaceted attentional requirements.