The Relationship between Spatial and Logical Functioning in the Child

Abstract

A standard multiple classification problem (simple intersection) was modified so that measurement ability, as well as the ability to attend to two dimensions at once, was required for its solution. This was administered to 20 boys and girls at each of three age levels in conjunction with a Piagetian landscape test of spatial functioning to determine the degree of relationship between logical and sublogical operations by defining their common cognitive components. A significant intertask relationship was expected, since both apparently require the same cognitive abilities. Performance on both tasks improved significantly with age, and the relationship between them was significant. The sequence and pattern of development of the individual cognitive skills required to solve the tasks were discussed.