The Gollin Incomplete Figures Test: A Flexible, Computerised Version

Abstract

The Gollin incomplete figures test has been used as a measure of visual development, as a clinical test for parietal cortex dysfunction, and to examine long-term memory in amnesic patients. It has traditionally been administered by using a series of three or five stimulus cards, successive cards containing progressively more information. A study is reported in which digitised outline drawings of familiar objects were presented via a computer, the percentage of the figure on the screen slowly increasing from 0 to 100. The original findings of Gollin were successfully replicated; children's performance on the task improved markedly over the age range 2–5 years, and performance improved dramatically over three tests in all subjects. Computerisation of the Gollin task provides a precise and versatile alternative to the original card version.