Relationship between private speech and performance in divergent problem solving task in preschool children

Abstract

This was the preliminary study aiming to find out the relationship between private speech and task performance in a divergent problem-solving task and confirm with the previous studies about the age-related developmental trend in private speech. 43 children aged between three to five years old were recruited to participate in a divergent problem-solving task. The private speech of the participants was videotaped during the process of devising solutions. It was then transcribed, categorized and analyzed. Results showed a positive correlation between private speech with task relevance and the degree of sophistication of solution. Also, the age-related developmental trend in private speech was partially consistent with previous studies. Finally, implications of this study for early childhood educators and parents were discussed.