The Hoffer-Osmond Diagnostic Test of Perceptual Disorders and the Academic Achievement of Indian and Metis Students in Northern Saskatchewan
Date
1971
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to administer to Indian and Metis student in northern Saskatchewan, the Hoffer-Osmond Diagnostic Test ,which,purports to measure perceptual disorders, and to relate the HOD
scores to criteria such as age, sex, academic achievement and the menstrual cycle.
The sample consisted of three hundred and four male and female subjects between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Seven hypotheses were proposed.
The Hoffer-Osmond Diagnostic Test consists of one hundred and
forty-five true and false questions which are designed to measure visual,
auditory, olfactory, touch, taste and time perception. High HOD scores
indicate abnormality. The greater the degree of distortion evident in
these areas, the greater the probability the individual suffers from
subclinical pellagra, a term recently introduced to refer to these perĀceptual abnormalities. Previous data indicate that perceptual disorders interfere with learning.
The results of this investigation and those of previous studies
provide evidence as to the feasibility of using the HOD as a diagnostic
tool for detecting perceptual changes which are associated with learning
and behavioral problems. The findings clearly indicate that subjects
with high HOD scores were also experiencing academic difficulties.
1. The mean HOD scores of female subjects were significantly higher
than the mean HOD scores of male subjects.
2. The mean HOD scores decreased significantly as age increased.
3. The mean HOD scores of those students who passed their grade
were significantly lower than the mean HOD scores of those
who failed or quit their grade.
4. The mean HOD scores decreased significantly as average marks
increased.
5. The mean HOD scores increased significantly as age-grade
differences increased.
6. The mean HOD scores of those students referred to the educational psychologist were higher than the mean HOD scores of
those students not referred, although this difference was not
statistically significant.
7. The mean HOD scores of female subjects taking the test during
paramenstrum were significantly higher than the mean HOD
scores of female subjects taking the test not during paramenstrum.
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Degree
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Department
Educational Foundations
Program
Education