The distribution of children’s responses in the immediate and delayed post test is presented
on Table 5.14. Results from both target words are presented together, since children’s
performance on the analogy task did not differ by target item.

5.14 Children’s responses in the analogy task for both post tests

The analogy task was quite difficult for the children since there was a high percentage of
"don ^,t know” responses (72.1% in the immediate post test and 76.3% in the delayed post
test). From the responses provided, most of the children used the "given analogy” (the
analogy given during the analogy condition) as well as "another basic level word” from the
same semantic category.

The distribution of responses separately by age and linguistic condition was also investigated.
The results are presented in Appendices 5.21 and 5.22. The same pattern was evident within
each age group and linguistic condition analysis except for the Analogy condition. In the
Analogy condition the pattern changes. Most of the children provided more "given
analogies” than other responses for both post tests (16.4% in the immediate post test and
13.8% in the delayed post test). Statistical analysis was carried out to explore whether the
differences were significant. The differences were significant during the Analogy condition
for both post tests (immediate post test: Z=5.08, p<.0000; delayed post test: Z=4.2, p<.0000).

Key Hndings from the analogy task

To what extent does children's performance on the analogy task differ by age ?

• Significant correlations were found between children’s age and their performance on
the Analogy task for both post tests. The same pattern was found when children’s
vocabulary and memory scores were controlled for.

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