Exploring the Nonlinear Possibility in the Growth Trajectory of Working Memory (Poster 12)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Longitudinal Studies SIG Poster Session

Abstract

This study applied linear, quadratic, cubic, and piecewise models with two sets of time measures—study waves and age at assessments—to identify the best model for working memory development from kindergarten to fifth grade and to assess disparities between children with and with no Individualized Education Program (IEP) records. The sample included 2,323 children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11. Results indicated that the piecewise model with two linear phases best captured working memory trajectories, while the linear model performed the worst. The choice of time measures was negligible. Additionally, the gap between children with IEP records and their non-IEP peers gradually narrowed with age. Future directions and limitations are discussed.

Author

• Jiawei Li, Michigan State University