The Effects of Interaction with an Object and with an Adult on Young Children's Cognitive Level

도구 및 성인과의 상호작용이 유아의 인지수준에 미치는 효과

This study examined the effects of different interaction styles, that is, interaction with an object and interaction with an adult, on young children's cognitive level. Subjects were 150 5-year-old children. The task required children to predict the working of a mathematical balance beam. Seven cognitive levels were identified based on the logic of prediction. Data were analyzed by t-test, F-test, Duncan Test and Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Test. Results showed that both interaction styles caused improvement in children's cognitive level, but when interaction with an adult was divided into two categories, i.e., interaction with the higher group and interaction with the lower group, the latter experienced decline in cognitive level. Regardless of sex, interactions within the Zone of Proximal Development and with the object were found to be effective methods for children's cognitive improvement.