Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours

School

School of Occupational Therapy

Faculty

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

First Supervisor

Dr Janet Richmond

Abstract

Visual perception is the ability to identify, organise, make meaning of and provide sense to what is seen in the world in which we live. Visual perceptual skills continuously develop in primary school children as seen in academic performance. If visual perceptual difficulties are unaddressed, the cumulative academic result can be detrimental throughout life. Thus, visual perceptual difficulties must be identified using tests that possess sound measurement properties to allow for early intervention. The purpose of the research was to determine the construct validity of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception Third Edition (DTVP-3). The DTVP-3 was designed and standardised in the United States (U.S.) and thus, its measurement properties should be assessed in the cultural contexts where it will be used. A pilot study was conducted using a quantitative non-experimental cross-sectional exploratory design with a non-probability convenience sample (n=91) of typically developing 6-10 year old Western Australian (WA) children. Preliminary parametric factor analysis (paired t-test) and correlations (Pearson’s) confirmed the two constructs of Visual Motor Integration and Motor Reduced Visual Perception. However, the copying subtest exhibited factor complexity within the population tested thus therapists should use the results of the Copying subtest with caution when determining Visual Motor Integration ability. The results add to the body of knowledge and provide evidence for confident use of the DTVP-3 in WA.

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Thesis Location

 
COinS