Is visual memory predictive of below-average academic achievement in second through fourth graders?

Full Abstract

PURPOSE:
Controversy exists regarding the relation between visual memory and academic achievement.

METHODS:
A masked investigation of the relation between visual memory and academics was performed in 155 second-through fourth-grade children (mean age = 8.83 years). Visual memory ability was assessed with the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills visual memory subtest. The school administered the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test and Stanford Achievement Test. Age and verbal ability were controlled in all regression analyses.

RESULTS:
Visual memory score was significantly predictive of below-average word decoding (p = 0.027), total math score (p = 0.031), and Stanford complete battery score (p = 0.018). Visual memory score showed a positive trend in predicting reading comprehension (p = 0.093).

CONCLUSIONS:
Poor visual memory ability (as measured by the Test of Visual Perceptual Skills) is significantly related to below-average reading decoding, math, and overall academic achievement (as measured by the Stanford Achievement Test) in second- through fourth-grade children, while controlling for age and verbal ability.

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Author information

Author/s: Kulp, Marjean Taylor (MT); Edwards, Kristyne E (KE); Mitchell, G Lynn (GL);

Affiliation: The Ohio State University College of Optometry, Columbus 43218-2342, USA. kulp.6(-atsign-)osu.edu

Grants: K30 HL04162 (Agency:United States NHLBI)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry (Optom Vis Sci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jul; vol 79 (issue 7) : pp 431-4

Dates: Created 2002/07/24; Completed 2003/01/29; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 12137397, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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