Pathways From Toddler Information Processing to Adolescent Lexical Proficiency

Abstract

This study examined the relation of 3-year core information-processing abilities to lexical growth and development. The core abilities covered four domains-memory, representational competence (cross-modal transfer), processing speed, and attention. Lexical proficiency was assessed at 3 and 13 years with the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT) and verbal fluency. The sample (N = 128) consisted of 43 preterms (< 1750 g) and 85 full-terms. Structural equation modeling indicated concurrent relations of toddler information processing and language proficiency and, independent of stability in language, direct predictive links between (a) 3-year cross-modal ability and 13-year PPVT and (b) 3-year processing speed and both 13-year measures, PPVT and verbal fluency. Thus, toddler information processing was related to growth in lexical proficiency from 3 to 13 years.

Figure 1

SEM model of pathways from information processing and lexical proficiency at 3 years to lexical proficiency at 13 years. Ovals represent multiple-indicator latent factors; rectangles represent single-indicator latent factors and individual indicators. Single-headed arrows represent paths by which latent factors influence observed measures and each other. Solid lines indicate significant paths (p < .05), while dotted lines indicate non-significant ones. Curved double-headed arrows represent correlations. Parameter estimates are shown for the completely standardized solution. * p < .05; ** p < .01. PPVT = Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test; RT = Reaction time.