engleski

The human processing system and the three-level theory of the developing mind: An empirical validation

A short description of the construct of processing system is presented in theoretical models of cognitive development and in the bordering fields of cognitive and differential psychology. Special focus is made on that construct in the theory of Andreas Demetriou and the colleagues - Three-Level Theory of the Developing Mind – where it is presented with three components: (1) speed of processing, (2) control of processing and (3) working memory. Theoretical and methodological analysis of the processing system is performed within that theoretical model and related research, and some questions are raised. In order to test Demetriou’ s model of processing system and its relations with other parts of the human cognitive system, an empirical validation of its structure is made on the sample of 478 school children and adolescents in the range of 8-18 years (male and female). In order to obtain some indicators of time stability of the proposed structure subjects were tested twice with the time lag of one year. Using the results of six chronometric tests (computerized battery of cognitive tests MID-KOGTESTER1), measures of processing speed and control were assessed, and using the results of adapted Digit Span Test (WISC) measures of working memory capacity were assessed. Additionally, general cognitive ability (Raven SPM), and quantitative-relational ability (Test of quantitative-relational abilities) were measured. Methodology used in the research aimed to correct some weaknesses of the former research made by Demetriou and the colleagues in testing the model of processing system. Data were treated with structural equation modeling (AMOS 4.10) and results are the following: (1) Demetriou’ s three-component model of the processing system (speed, control, working memory) is confirmed and proved as temporally stabile in more demanding statistical conditions then Demetriou had, despite the operationalisation widening of one component of that system (control of processing) ; (2) with an exception of additional relation between working memory capacity and the quantitative-relational system, it is confirmed that processing system firmly determines the function of quantitative-relational system ; (3) it is shown that processing system greatly determines general cognitive ability and that determination is temporally stabile over a period of one year. Despite these mostly confirming results, some methodological features of the research question the validity of Demetriou’ s model of processing system and ask for better ones.

human processing system; Demetriou's theory of mind; processing speed; control and working memory

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