Change to Tactile Perception Shapes (TP:S) 3D printed black shapes

We have been conducting a research project to determine if it would be valid to exchange the black shapes that have been used for the Tactile Perception: Shapes Test with a printed response card instead.  We have now finished the project and, as expected, using the response card does not change the results of the test so we are making this change.

Background:

When the EASI Tactile Perception Shapes (TP:S) Test was developed and standardized and when normative data was collected, the child was asked to look at 3D printed black shapes to select a match to the (blue) shape placed in their hand.  The recent project explored whether a printed response card would result in similar scores and that project showed that there is no difference in the scores.  Thus, instead of showing a child 3D printed black shapes placed on a white background for Part 1 of TP:S, a response card will be utilized.  Replacing the shapes with a printed response card will save weight, time and cost for this test. However, testers who already have the black shapes can continue to use them in the standardized way (placed on a white background in the order shown, for both the trial and test items in Part 1 of 18 Tactile Perception: Shapes (TP:S)

HOW DOES THIS CHANGE AFFECT YOU AS A TESTER USING THE EASI?

You can use either method for testing children.  So, if you have the shapes, you can continue to use them.  However, since the shapes add cost, weight and time to the testing process we expect that most testers will prefer to use the response cards.  The response cards are now saved in the central test sheet file as documents 18-2a (TRIAL response card) and 18-2b (TEST response card).  Please note that these documents (like all -2 documents) include a line that says “this line should measure 3 cm; that is included to ensure that printing occurs in the correct sizing). The cards should be printed on cardstock for ease in handling (lamination NOT recommended due to potential for shine that could make it difficult to see the responses).  Since the change from the child viewing physical shapes to the child viewing the printed shapes on cards does not affect the scoring, this change can be made now without affecting scores. That is-either one of the two methods of testing is acceptable and will result in the same scores. 

Part 2 using the green and yellow shapes will remain the same and no further changes are expected.  The shapes for Tactile Perception: Oral are also the same, although a new design is available that incorporates the bottle cap.