Diagnostic Value of the Frostig Test: A Factor Analytic Approach
(1944), Cruickshank (1957), and Wedell (1960) with their own clinical observations, Frostig and her colleagues (1961) devised the Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP), which is offered as a diagnostic tool for identifying children who need training in specific areas of visual perception. The DTVP is composed of five subtests, each of which is supposed to tap a specific type of perceptual process. These include eye-hand coordination, figure ground, form constancy, position in space, and spatial relationships. Diagnostic Value of the Frostig An intervention program (Frostig & Test: A Factor Analytic Approach Horne, 1964) was developed to train DONALD D. HAMMILL, Ed.D. specific visual perceptual abilities RONALD P. COLARUSSO, M.Ed. identified by t h e subtests of the DTVP J. LEE WIEDERHOLT, &Ed. as being undeveloped or deficient. Temp'e University A child's test profile would suggest abilities to be trained and the use of particular sets of exercises from the program. The Frostig training approach presumes that the subtests do, in fact, measure distinct areas of visual perception. The purpose of t h e present study was to determine whether the DTVP subtests are indeed independent enough to justify such a differential training approach. Forthis purpose, the DTVP was factor analyzed with a random sample of kindergarten and first grade youngsters. In addition, the performance of Ss diagnosed as having visual perception problems was analyzed. Allen (1968), Boyd & Randle (1970), Cawley, et al. (1968), Corah & Powell (1963), Ohnrnacht & Olson (1968), Ohnmacht & Rosen (1967), Olson, et al. (1968), and Sprague (1963) have also studied the independence of the DTVP subtests using factor analytic procedures. These researchers employed a variety of intelligence, readiness,