Constructing Complex Geometric Patterns

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the ability of Igbo children of varying ages to construct geometric patterns of varying complexity, and to compare the performance with those of their counterparts in North American countries. Results indicate a developmental pattern with a highly significant interaction between age and pattern complexity. Differential performance among the various age groups was greatest at medium- and high-level pattern complexity. Comparison of the pattern performance of the Igbo subjects with those of their Canadian counterparts, as reported by Halford and Macdonald (1977), showed striking similarities. The Igbo children, however, tended to achieve the ability at a slightly younger age.