The Development of Antonym Adjective Structures in Children. Final Report

The purpose of this project was to explore and more carefully design studies of adjective-related structures and processes as they emerge during development in children between the ages of 4 to 8, since the salient characteristics in speech at this age tend to compare and contrast objects encountered in their environments. A group of 40 black and white males and females between the ages of 4 to 8 were tested. The methods used were: 1. Negative Word Association Task, 2. One-Dimension Description, 3. Coordinated Language, 4. Hungry Pig, 5. Transformation, 6. Language and Seriation, 7. Seriated Picture Comprehension, and 8. Clay Manipulation Task. The greatest performance differences occurred between ages 4 and 5, and ages 6 and 8, but race was not found to be a factor, and sex emerged only twice as a significant variable. Comprehension appeared to precede and be a requisite for production of coordinated language during development. Results, though tentative, were thought to offer suggestions for future research. Summary Analysis and Journal citations are included. (RG)