The Nine Box Maze Test: A measure of spatial memory development in children

Brain Cogn. 2003 Jul;52(2):144-54. doi: 10.1016/s0278-2626(03)00079-4.

Abstract

This study investigates the development of visuo-spatial memory in school-aged children, as measured by the Nine Box Maze Test Child Version (NBMT-CV). This task, originally developed for adults by, utilises an allocentric framework to assess the complexities of spatial memory. Sixty children participated in this study (aged 5-12 years), which also involved administration of traditional 'non-verbal' memory tests. Results indicate that visuo-spatial memory develops across childhood and that the NBMT-CV taps distinct skills compared to other 'non-verbal' memory tasks. The theoretical, assessment and developmental issues raised by these findings are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Maze Learning*
  • Memory*
  • Mental Recall
  • Psychological Tests
  • Psychological Theory
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Space Perception*
  • Visual Perception