The Construction of the Utrecht Early Mathematical Competence Scales

Abstract

The purpose of the research presented was to construct the Utrecht Early Mathematical Competence Scales to assess the developmental level of early mathematical competence in children ages 4 to 7 years. Eight mathematically different domains were distinguished, and an initial pool of 120 items was developed. The items were administered to 823 boys and girls in the 4-to 7-year age groups. Results demonstrate that the generalized one-parameter logistic model could explain the responses to 80 items. Two scales (A and B) were derived, each consisting of 40 items. In this article, Form A is emphasized. To test for group differences, a 6 (half-year age groups) ´ 2 (gender) factorial analysis of variance was used. A one-way analysis of variance with grade as the independent variable was used to test for grade differences. Participants within each age and grade group differed considerably in developmental level of early mathematical competence.